OTTAWA, Canada: Canada welcomed 401,000 permanent residents in 2021, which was the highest number of immigrants in the country’s 154-year history.
The Canadian government announced the record number, which tops an earlier record set in 1913 when 400,000 immigrants were granted the right to live in the country, according to a report.
Permanent residents can apply for social benefits in Canada, but cannot vote in federal elections.
“Last year, we set an ambitious goal. Today, we achieved it. This is a historic moment for our country, as we welcome the highest number of newcomers in one year in our history,” said Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser.
The new immigrants came from a large number of countries, including China, Nigeria, Iran, Turkey and the U.S., according to officials.
By comparison, immigrants who arrived in Canada during the early 20th century were mainly from the UK and Europe.
Immigration accounts for 100 percent of Canada’s labor force growth, and by 2036 newcomers will make up 30 percent of the country’s population of just over 38 million, Fraser added.
Additionally, one-third of Canadian businesses are owned by immigrants, and one-quarter of newcomers work in the healthcare sector, he said.
