The Immigration department broke a 108-year old record and welcomed hundreds of thousands of new arrivals into Canada this year..“Canada has reached its target and welcomed more than 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021, surpassing the previous record from 1913,” the department said in a statement..“This is the most newcomers in a year in Canadian history.”.Final numbers would be calculated after year’s end..“This is a historic moment for our country,” said Immigration Minister Sean Fraser, adding: “I can’t wait to see the incredible contributions our 401,000 new neighbours make.”.The previous record was 400,870 immigrants in 1913, then the equivalent of more than 5% of the nation’s entire population. This year’s intake represented a 117% increase from last year. The 2020 immigration quota was just 184,370 due to pandemic restrictions..“At the very core of our immigration plan is our belief that those who possess the skills and experience will accelerate our economic recovery,” then-Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said in testimony last March 8 at the Commons immigration committee..No MP questioned the feasibility of the quota..The immigration department in its Annual Tracking Study found Canadians divided on the subject of increasing immigration..“Very few participants thought Canada is admitting too few,” said the 2021 survey..Asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement: “It will be difficult for our economy to absorb many immigrants in the next year,” 50% of Canadians surveyed agreed. A total 57% supported “limiting the number of immigrants coming to Canada” until the economy recovers..Asked: “Thinking about immigration in general, please tell me to what extent you either agree or disagree with the following statement: Canada should focus on helping unemployed Canadians rather than looking for skilled immigrants;” 46% agreed. The rate of agreement was highest in Alberta (56%) and Saskatchewan (55%). A total 27% nationwide said quotas should be halved..The Annual Tracking Study in 2020 found 41% said Canada let in too many immigrants. Results showed 30% agreed “Immigration is causing Canada to change in ways I don’t like.”.A total 51% agreed, “Immigrants need to do more to integrate into Canadian society.”
