Travel
Provincial Programs Show Economic Priorities
Canada’s immigration strategy reflects the unique needs and priorities of each province.
Outside Quebec, immigration numbers from January to October 2024 highlight the diversity and adaptability of provincial programs.
Economic Immigration: The Driving Force
Economic immigration dominates in most provinces, with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) leading as a critical tool. Ontario welcomed 89,695 immigrants under economic categories, with 22,200 coming through the PNP. Similarly, British Columbia and Alberta heavily relied on the PNP, admitting 14,795 and 18,570 immigrants, respectively. Manitoba and Saskatchewan showcased even greater reliance on the PNP, which accounted for 86 percent of Manitoba’s 16,175 economic immigrants and 93 percent of Saskatchewan’s 17,450.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick stood out for their use of the Atlantic Immigration Programs (AIP), which brought in 2,860 and 2,760 immigrants, respectively. These programs demonstrate the importance of regional collaboration in addressing specific labour needs in the Atlantic provinces.
Worker Programs also contributed significantly. Ontario and British Columbia admitted 62,055 and 13,875 immigrants, respectively, under this stream. Programs like Canadian Experience and Skilled Worker played pivotal roles in retaining highly skilled individuals already in Canada.
Smaller streams such as the Agri-Food Pilot and Rural and Northern Immigration targeted niche industries and rural areas. For instance, Alberta admitted 190 immigrants under the Agri-Food Pilot, while British Columbia’s 715 rural immigrants highlighted efforts to bolster rural economies.
Family Sponsorship: Reuniting Loved Ones
Family sponsorship is a vital component of Canada’s immigration strategy, allowing provinces to reunite families. Ontario led in family sponsorship numbers, welcoming 41,475 immigrants, with the Sponsored Spouse or Partner category comprising the majority (28,140). Alberta followed, admitting 13,370 family-sponsored immigrants, including 7,875 spouses or partners.
British Columbia and Manitoba admitted 13,935 and 2,840 family-sponsored immigrants, respectively. Across all provinces, the demand for reuniting parents and grandparents remained strong, with Ontario admitting 11,065 immigrants under this stream, and Alberta welcoming 4,525.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick had lower family sponsorship numbers, reflecting their smaller populations. Nova Scotia admitted 990 immigrants, and New Brunswick welcomed 615 under family categories. Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador reported modest numbers, with 160 and 240 family-sponsored immigrants, respectively.
Refugee Resettlement: A Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts
Canada’s provinces play a significant role in refugee resettlement. Alberta led in this category, resettling 12,720 refugees and protected persons, including 8,890 privately sponsored refugees. Ontario followed with 32,445 immigrants in this category, split between resettled refugees (16,040) and protected persons (16,410).
British Columbia admitted 5,985 refugees and protected persons, while Manitoba resettled 2,440. Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia admitted 1,325 and 975 refugees, respectively, emphasizing their ongoing humanitarian commitments.
Smaller provinces like New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and PEI also contributed significantly to Canada’s refugee resettlement efforts, admitting 740, 645, and 85 refugees and protected persons, respectively. Despite their smaller size, these provinces demonstrate Canada’s collective commitment to providing refuge and safety to the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Other Immigration: Miscellaneous Contributions
Other immigration pathways, though smaller in numbers, highlight the diversity of Canada’s immigration framework. These pathways include miscellaneous and special-case categories. Ontario admitted 10,260 immigrants under these categories, while Alberta and British Columbia followed with 2,240 and 1,930, respectively. These numbers indicate the flexibility of provincial programs to accommodate unique cases and emerging needs.
Comparing Provincial Strategies
Ontario: The Economic Powerhouse
Ontario attracted the largest number of immigrants (173,875) due to its diverse economy and robust programs. Economic immigration, particularly through Canadian Experience and Skilled Worker streams, accounted for more than half of Ontario’s total. Family sponsorship and refugee resettlement further highlighted its commitment to reunification and humanitarian efforts.
British Columbia: A Balanced Approach
British Columbia welcomed 54,230 immigrants, with economic immigration leading the way. The PNP and Canadian Experience streams played significant roles, complemented by substantial family sponsorship and refugee resettlement efforts.
Alberta: Strong Economic and Refugee Focus
Alberta admitted 56,430 immigrants, emphasizing economic programs like the PNP and Skilled Worker streams. Alberta also excelled in refugee resettlement, showcasing strong community and government involvement.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan: PNP Dependence
Manitoba (21,910 immigrants) and Saskatchewan (20,690 immigrants) heavily relied on the PNP, with the program accounting for over 85 percent of their economic immigrants. Both provinces also prioritized family reunification and refugee resettlement to enhance their social fabric.
Nova Scotia and New Brunswick: Regional Collaboration
Nova Scotia (12,850 immigrants) and New Brunswick (14,010 immigrants) leaned on the Atlantic Immigration Programs to attract skilled workers and support regional economies. Both provinces balanced economic needs with family sponsorship and refugee resettlement.
Newfoundland and Labrador and PEI: Small but Significant
Newfoundland and Labrador (5,015 immigrants) and PEI (3,690 immigrants) showcased focused strategies. Economic immigration dominated, with the PNP and AIP playing critical roles in addressing labor shortages. Family sponsorship and refugee resettlement efforts, though smaller, reflected their commitment to balanced growth.
Diversity in Unity
Canada’s provincial immigration strategies outside Quebec highlight the adaptability and inclusiveness of the nation’s immigration system. While provinces like Ontario and Alberta attract the largest numbers due to their economic strength, smaller provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI leverage regional programs like the AIP to meet their labour needs.
Across all provinces, the PNP emerged as the cornerstone of economic immigration, addressing targeted labour shortages. Family sponsorship ensures the reunification of loved ones, while refugee resettlement underscores Canada’s global humanitarian leadership.
This provincial diversity ensures that Canada’s immigration system remains responsive to local needs while upholding its commitment to economic growth, family unity, and social responsibility.
