Canada's long term plan is to grow to 100 million by 2100. For that it will need a 1.2% annual growth rate. That can only happen with 400K+ immigrants a year if Canada only adds 60K or so per year by itself. Given that majority of population is old, it will see increase in deaths going forward. Baby boom of 40s-50s will be depression of heads by 2030-40. So 500K presently is NOT really a unrealistic number.
That 100 million target has been suggested by ex-prime minister Brian Mulroney.
Reaching that goal by 2100, you would basically have more than 50% immigrants in the country. In what world do they think that is a good idea first and secondly, who would allow such a thing to happen. Even if both Liberals and Conservatives would agree on it, a third party will show up in the political scene and take charge. It will be inevitable. The latest democratic country to manifest this is Italy in September, Georgia Meloni becoming prime minister.
If Canada is really concerned about the birth rates, why no offer incentives for every child being born. My third world country offers $1,200 as a bonus for the first child and it increases for every child you will have. Its something. I bet if they offer like $10k-$20k per child they would bring a lot of LOVE into the air instantly. If you think about it, its nothing. 350k children are born every year, with the incentive that might reach 1 million or more perhaps. $20 Billion spent in helping parents deal with their new borns will be a direct investment into the economy, literally. Money for milk/food/diapers/check-ups/etc. Those who are on the verge of thinking to be parents or have a second baby will jump ship in a heart beat. Sooner or later someone will come up with this idea and probably become a Prime Minister. I would vote on the spot for him/her.
They keep complaining that there is a huge lack of doctors/nurses/plumbers/carpenter/etc, then for GOD's sake invite them as an absolute freaking priority. Leave the grandpas and grandmas aside for a while, they don't need the freaking PR, they can get along fine with a supervisa. Ridirecting those 28,000 reserved for them to doctors/nurses, you would solve an actual immidiate national emergency. But no, they wont do that.
I have friends in Canada who work in professional trades and they are making a killing. $400 days are almost the norm and $1000 ones are not that uncommon too. They way I see things, I will get into trades too and setup my own company in the long run, and leave my career behind. I am not passing on $200k yearly just for the sake of working in an office or whatnot. If Canada is needing a painter/plumber/electrician, I am becoming one. Adapt and Overcome.