The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) report highlights that international immigrants increasingly drive Ontario’s labour growth. Based on 2021 Statistics Canada data, the study focuses on immigrants with permanent residence status in Canada. With immigration to Ontario reaching 227,424 in 2022, these new residents play a “significant role” in Ontario’s economic growth. The report reveals that despite a decrease in numbers in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, Ontario welcomed many newcomers in 2022 due to increased border restrictions and higher immigration targets. The province’s share of immigrants to Canada has increased to 42.5% this year. Despite fluctuations, immigrants account for a growing share of the province’s labour force growth, constituting 39% from 2007-2014 and 63% from 2015-2022.
Immigrants drive Ontario’s labour force growth
