Immigrants and Their Role in Canada’s Workforce
As Canada faces critical issues in its workforce, immigration has become a key solution to solve most of these issues. The aging population is the main issue that Canada faces, which leads to a labour shortage in its workforce.
New immigrants help fill out labour shortages and drive innovative and economic activity in sectors that span from healthcare, transportation, and construction to business, food services, and many more. This blog outlines how immigrants shape Canada’s future, as their vital impacts on these industries will now be discussed.
1. Healthcare Industry
Canada’s healthcare sector employs over 1.9 million workers, and over 420,000 healthcare workers are expected to retire within the next decade; this will affect the industry as it will face significant challenges. That’s why Canada resorts to hiring foreign workers to face these challenges:
- 1 in 4 healthcare workers is foreign-born.
- Immigrants make up:
- 43% of pharmacists
- 45% of dentists
- 37% of physicians
- 61% of dental technologists
In the health sector, 25% of immigrants are registered nurses and 42% act as nurse aides. Immigrants are an important part of hospitals and long-term care facilities. Canada is experiencing a huge aging population, so home care services are in high demand. Immigrants have risen to the challenge of ensuring that seniors are receiving quality care, further entrenching their position as the backbone of the healthcare system.
2. Transportation Industry
800,000 workers in the transportation field are immigrants, as it is vital for maintaining the supply chain and mobility across the nation. As 25% of workers in this industry are 55+ years old, they will face some challenges as a result of the retirement of these workers.
Immigrants are considered a key role in sustaining this industry:
- 35% of truck drivers are foreign-born, and immigrants own 56% of trucking businesses.
- Immigrants make up the following:
- 43% of transit and ground passenger workers
- 25% of air transportation employees
- 26% of postal workers
- 18% of rail service workers
Immigrants’ contributions mean Canada’s transportation networks remain robust, seamlessly moving goods and services.
3. Residential Industry
Over 600,000 workers in the housing sector are immigrants as Canada faces pressure in the residential sector due to the high demand for affordable housing and the anticipated retirement of 18% of skilled tradespeople within the next decade.
- 41% of architects and 40% of civil engineers are foreign-born.
- Immigrants hold key roles among tradespeople:
- 20% of roofers
- 16% of electricians
- 15% of carpenters
- 14% of plumbers
Immigrant skills are important to meet Canada’s infrastructure and housing needs, contributing to sustainable growth and innovation in construction.
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4. Business Industry
Entrepreneurship is one of the main reasons that business sectors thrive in Canada, as 32% of business owners are immigrants. These entrepreneurs are creating jobs and introducing innovation across industries:
- 53% of restaurants and 52% of grocery stores are owned by immigrants.
- Immigrants lead 40% of software publishing companies, contributing significantly to Canada’s technology landscape.
As Canada has over 250,000 businesses that are owned by immigrants, this affects the Canadian economy positively and creates new opportunities for communities nationwide.
5. Food Services Industry
More than 1 million workers are employed in the food services industry, but it still faces labour shortages.
- More than 51% of food and beverage businesses with paid staff are immigrant-owned.
- 1 in 4 workers in the food services sector is foreign-born.
These contributions lead to a high cultural diversity, not only sustaining this industry.
6. Science and Technology Industry
For the science and technology sector, 1.5 million workers are employed in this industry in Canada, but because of the innovation-driven economy, new workers are always needed.
- 35% of computer programmers
- 43% of engineers
- 57% of chemists
Many new immigrants started entering this industry as international students, with 37% enrolled in STEM programs, further fueling technological advancements.
7. Arts and Culture Industry
The arts and culture sector is a vibrant part of Canada’s economy, supported heavily by immigrants
- 21% of independent artists, writers, and performers are foreign-born.
- Over 2,000 arts and culture businesses with paid employees are immigrant-owned.
Immigrants shape Canada’s cultural landscape, from music to visual arts, all to enhance its global reputation.
8. Philanthropy and Sports Industry
Immigrants are also active in Canada’s non-profit and sports sectors:
- In social assistance, more than 1 in 4 workers is an immigrant.
- Close to 40% of immigrants’ volunteer and contribute an average of 162 hours annually.
Immigrants in sports consist of:
- 24% of coaches
- 13,000 program leaders and fitness instructors
Their involvement encourages community development, inclusivity, and national pride.
Why Immigration is Essential to Canada’s Future?
It is expected to have over 9 million job vacancies by 2030; immigration isn’t just a solution for this case, but it’s necessary for Canada’s economic stability. To maximize this potential:
- Streamlining the recognition of foreign credentials can accelerate workforce integration.
- Expanding settlement programs can support newcomers in thriving within their communities.
Immigrants are the business owners, investors, and cultural envoys; they are not employees. They are contributing to the making of Canada into a competitive and diverse nation through their efforts.
Finally, it can be stated that immigrants are the main factor in solving the problem of labour shortage and innovation in Canada. They strengthen industries like healthcare, business, and technology while enriching arts, sports, and culture. To sustain the growth, Canada must work on attracting more skilled workers by speeding up credential recognition and supporting their integration. Immigrants shape Canada’s identity and future prosperity; they don’t just meet labour shortages.
