Challenges for Canada’s Population
Canada’s natural population growth has steadily declined and may continue dropping over the next 50 years. Demographic trends have shifted significantly since the end of 2020, with Canada’s natural population primarily comprised of an aged population. The fertility rate was at a record low in 2022.
More adults aged 65 and older and fewer children aged 0 to 14 may comprise Canada’s natural projected population by 2073. Based on these numbers, the projected population of 63 million in 2073 will have an average age between 42.6 and 50.1 years, compared to 41.6 years in 2023. The population of those aged 85 years and older could increase rapidly and triple by 2073.
These startling figures would cause a labor shortage in an already straining work sector. Most of the aging population will be unfit for most physically demanding work. In contrast, the young population best suited to handle these jobs will be fewer than the country could need to fill the labor gap adequately.
The economy will be strained under the weight of caring for the aged population, who will need constant attention, personal care, household help, professional emotional support, and special health needs. The social services provided to support the aging population will require finances that the working class would have to bear.
In summary, lower fertility rates and decreased life expectancy would cause socio-economic strain on the country. The reduced population of young people will be required to carry the burden of a growing, aging population.
The Key Ingredient to Canada’s Population Predicament
Immigration is the key strategy Canada can employ to combat the challenges in its population. More migrant workers would continue to come within the country’s borders to fill the vacant posts the aged Canadian population can’t occupy and the young population can’t adequately fill. By providing a more demographically balanced population, the migrants would supplement the areas requiring a more sprite and energetic workforce.
Population aging is natural and inevitable. However, controlling the rate at which the population revitalizes is possible. With all factors kept constant, immigration may not solve the country’s problem of an aging population, but it can offer a temporary reprieve. A steady influx of new immigrants every year is vital to Canada’s economy and demography and the quality of life for everyone within her borders.
This remedy is mutually beneficial. While Canada solves its population issue, immigrants also benefit from socio-economic offers, which may include higher standards of living and employment opportunities in a multicultural society. Some immigrants who arrive in the country earlier can potentially out-earn the natural citizens by the time they reach their mid-twenties. The symbiotic nature of this relationship makes it a win-win for all parties involved.
