Canada has reported a significant population decline for the first time in several years, attributed primarily to a reduction in the number of international students following a government crackdown on study permits. Statistics Canada announced that the population decreased by 0.2% in the third quarter of 2023, marking a drop from 41.65 million to 41.6 million.

Population Decrease Details
The latest figures reveal that this decline is unprecedented in recent history, with the only comparable drop occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Liberal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has faced increasing criticism regarding immigration levels, leading to a shift in policy aimed at reducing the number of non-permanent residents. The current non-permanent resident population stands at approximately 6.8%, down from 7.3% in the previous quarter.

Impact of Policy Changes
The Canadian government has announced plans to cut the number of international student permits issued, aiming to reduce the target from 305,900 new arrivals in 2025 to 155,000 by 2026, and maintaining a limit of 150,000 for the subsequent years. In contrast, the government intends to gradually increase the number of permanent residents, projecting admissions of 395,000 in 2025, followed by 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.

Economic Implications
Economist Robert Kavcic from the Bank of Montreal stated that the population adjustment is among the most significant economic stories in Canada. He noted that the rapid population growth in previous years has contributed to various economic challenges, including pressures on the rental market and inflation in services. The recent decline is expected to alleviate some of these pressures, potentially leading to a stabilization of the economy.

Provincial Population Trends
The population decrease was observed across all provinces and territories, with Alberta and Nunavut being the exceptions, both reporting a slight increase of 0.2%. This widespread decline highlights the challenges faced by the Canadian government in managing immigration and the associated services required to support a growing population.

Wrap-up
Canada's recent population decline underscores the complexities of immigration policy and its direct effects on the economy and social services. As the government navigates these changes, the long-term implications for both non-permanent and permanent residents will be closely monitored.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team