Canada continued to welcome historically high number of immigrants in 2009
Earlier today, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) released statistics showing that it continues to maintain a high rate of immigration. Canada welcomed more than half a million permanent and temporary residents last year, a figure CIC says is helping to support the economic recovery in Canada.
"Momentum toward a full economic recovery continued throughout 2009, and immigration will continue to support that momentum. The Government of Canada is maintaining immigration levels to meet Canada’s short-, medium- and long-term economic needs, help offset our aging population and low birthrate, and sustain our workforce," said Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney.
In 2009, Canada welcomed 252,124 new permanent residents, well within the target the government had set. About 60 per cent of those new permanent residents were
economic immigrants, according to the CIC.
