Canada to receive 1.4m migrants over the next three years under radical economic expansion plan

CANADA could be receiving thousands of Nigerian immigrants over the next three years as the government in Ottawa has announced its plan to receive 1.4m migrants between now and 2025 as part of a major plan to combat skills shortages.

As part of a programme called Canada’s 2023–2025 Immigration Levels Plan, the Canadian government is planning to boost its workforce and subsequently its economic output over the next three years. Sean Fraser, the Canadian minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, said the plan will help Canada get the workforce it needs in areas of healthcare, manufacturing and technology, building on the 405,000 immigrants it welcomed over the past year.

Mr Fraser said: “Last year Canada welcomed over 405,000 newcomers, the most we’ve ever welcomed in a single year. The government is continuing that ambition by setting targets in the new levels plan of 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

“The plan also brings an increased focus on attracting newcomers to different regions of the country, including small towns and rural communities. This year’s immigration levels plan will help businesses find the workers they need, set Canada on a path that will contribute to our long-term success and allow us to make good on key commitments to vulnerable people fleeing violence, war and persecution.”

Sean Strickland, the executive director of Canada’s Building Trades Union, added: “Canada’s Building Trades Unions are pleased with today’s announcement to increase immigration levels in Canada. Historically it has been through immigration that we have been able to grow our workforce, fill our union halls and build Canada’s infrastructure.

“Increased economic immigration is an important step to addressing labour availability across the country and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Fraser and the federal government to find the solutions we need going forward.”