A new study by Daniel Hiebert reveals that while Canada has relied heavily on immigration to boost its workforce, this approach alone cannot solve the country’s demographic challenges. Despite having one of the world’s lowest fertility rates at 1.26 children per woman, even the highest immigration scenarios would still result in rising old-age dependency ratios over the next 50 years. The report suggests that policymakers need a more comprehensive population strategy that includes raising retirement ages and better coordination between immigration targets, housing development, and infrastructure investment. Public enthusiasm for Canada’s historically high immigration levels has waned amid concerns about housing costs and public services.
Canada’s immigration strategy falls short in combating demographic decline
