News Release - Government of Canada admits highest number of newcomers in Canada’s history

Ottawa, March 14, 2008 — Canada accepted the highest number of temporary and permanent residents in its history last year, according to preliminary data released by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) today.

“These numbers show that our immigration program is responding to Canada’s needs, particularly our economic needs,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Labour shortages are being felt in sectors across the country. Immigration is helping to meet labour demands and to ensure industries are able to remain competitive in the global economy.”

In 2007, Canada admitted 429,649[ note 1 ] permanent residents, temporary foreign workers and foreign students. This number is more than 60,000 higher than it was just four years ago.

“As immigration becomes increasingly important in supporting Canada’s growth, we are bringing in people with the right mix of skills to address both short and long-term labour market needs,” Minister Finley added. “At the same time, we must also help ensure the success of immigrants by helping them settle and integrate into Canadian society.”

Canada’s fast growing economy means labour demands will also continue to grow in the next few years. The most recent Census indicates that in the past five years, Canada’s population grew by 1.6 million—with 1.1 million being the result of immigration. By 2012, immigration is expected to account for all net growth in our labour force.

Last year, Canada admitted more temporary foreign workers than in recent years to respond to the labour market needs of Canada’s economy. A 12 percent increase in the number of temporary foreign workers accounts for much of the increase in the overall number of temporary and permanent residents admitted in 2007. The statistics also show a 4.6 percent increase in the number of foreign students admitted in 2007.

Over 251,000 permanent resident visas were issued, which is within the target range of 240,000 to 265,000. Only 236,689 visa holders had arrived in Canada by year’s end. CIC controls when visas are issued, it does not control when people use them. Permanent residents may decide to use their visa at any time during the period it is valid.

For more information, visit Citizenship and Immigration’s website, www.cic.gc.ca. The final admissions will be released on CIC’s website in June 2008.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Douglas Kellam
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

__________________

1. For more recent immigration statistics, see Facts and Figures.