There has been a lot of press recently about the need to limit immigration to Canada.

Canada’s population has grown in recent years, reaching 41 million in April 2024. Immigration accounted for almost 98% of this growth in 2023, 60% of which can be attributed to temporary residents.

This has resulted in an over-reaction.  High housing costs, both purchase and rent are blamed on this population increase. Additionally there is much speculation the quality of the immigrants is low.

Preparing for the Future

Based on an aging population and current birth rates, it is easy to forecast future issues relating to labour shortages and associated economic impacts, however, due to the current pain these are being largely ignored.

Not withstanding the obvious the growing impacts of a larger population has led to a major political issue and the populous is rebelling.

Our politicians are reacting to this and plans to curtail immigration by lowering limits and raising eligibility requirements are being implemented.

Sort Term Gain – Long Term Pain

Unfortunately like the anecdote about the frog that does not jump out of the water as it begins to boil, until it is too late, Canadians have become short sighted and insular about the need to grow our population.

Today’s problems are real but pale in comparison to the economic turmoil and impact on our service infrastructure in the future if we do not act now..

By reacting today, limiting immigration, rather than building capabilities to support a larger population we are simply positioning ourselves for future failure.

The larger our population, given our geographic capability to support it, is the road to future success.  I am saddened by the short-sited views focusing just on today.