Ontario has the largest immigrant population of any Canadian province or territory, with over 4 million immigrants, while Nunavut has the smallest, with fewer than 1,000. This article breaks down the distribution of immigrants across Canada’s 13 provinces and territories, with context on why these numbers vary.
National Overview
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, immigrants make up approximately 23% of Canada’s total population, the highest proportion among G7 countries. The vast majority of immigrants (about 95%) live in provinces, with the remaining 5% in the three territories. Immigration levels have steadily increased over the past two decades, with over 1.3 million new immigrants arriving between 2016 and 2021.
Provincial Breakdown
Here is the immigrant population (foreign-born residents) for each province and territory, based on the 2021 Census:
- Ontario – 4,073,000 (30.0% of provincial population)
- British Columbia – 1,550,000 (29.5%)
- Quebec – 1,045,000 (12.5%)
- Alberta – 1,020,000 (23.0%)
- Manitoba – 255,000 (18.5%)
- Saskatchewan – 165,000 (14.0%)
- Nova Scotia – 90,000 (9.0%)
- New Brunswick – 55,000 (7.0%)
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 25,000 (5.0%)
- Prince Edward Island – 15,000 (9.0%)
- Northwest Territories – 5,000 (11.0%)
- Yukon – 4,000 (10.0%)
- Nunavut – <1,000 (2.0%)
These figures are rounded to the nearest thousand and represent the foreign-born population, which excludes non-permanent residents (e.g., temporary workers and international students).
Why Ontario Leads
Ontario’s dominance is driven by Toronto, which is consistently the top destination for new immigrants to Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) alone is home to over 2.5 million immigrants, making it one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the world. Ontario’s large economy, established immigrant communities, and the presence of the federal government in Ottawa all attract newcomers. Additionally, Ontario has the largest number of employer-sponsored immigration streams and family reunification sponsorships.
Territorial Contrast
The three territories—Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—have very small immigrant populations, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of their populations. Nunavut, with a population of about 37,000, is over 85% Inuit, and immigration is minimal due to its remote Arctic location, limited economic opportunities, and the high cost of living. Yukon and the Northwest Territories have slightly higher immigrant percentages (around 10-11%) due to government and mining sector employment, but the numbers remain tiny compared to southern provinces.
Historical Trends
Immigration patterns have shifted over time. In the early 20th century, most immigrants came from Europe (UK, Italy, Germany). Since the 1970s, the majority have come from Asia (China, India, Philippines) and, more recently, from Africa and the Middle East. The Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland) historically had lower immigration but have seen recent increases due to provincial nominee programs that target skilled workers and entrepreneurs. For example, Prince Edward Island’s immigrant population grew by over 50% between 2016 and 2021, largely due to its Provincial Nominee Program.
Economic and Social Factors
Immigrant distribution is heavily influenced by economic opportunities. Provinces with larger economies and more diverse job markets (Ontario, BC, Alberta) attract more immigrants. In contrast, provinces with smaller economies or seasonal industries (Newfoundland, PEI) attract fewer. Social factors also play a role: immigrants often settle where they have family or established community networks. For instance, Winnipeg has a large Filipino community, and Halifax has seen growth in Syrian and Indian immigrants in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which province has the highest percentage of immigrants?
Ontario has the highest percentage at 30.0% of its population, followed closely by British Columbia at 29.5%. Both provinces have major metropolitan areas (Toronto and Vancouver) that are top immigrant destinations.
Which province has the lowest immigrant population?
Nunavut has the lowest, with fewer than 1,000 immigrants, representing about 2% of its population. The territory’s remote location and limited economic opportunities make it unattractive to most newcomers.
How does immigrant population affect provincial politics?
Provinces with large immigrant populations, like Ontario and BC, often have more diverse political representation and policies that address multiculturalism and settlement services. Immigration levels can influence federal electoral ridings and provincial funding allocations.
Are immigrants more likely to live in cities?
Yes, about 90% of immigrants live in census metropolitan areas (CMAs) with populations over 100,000. Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal together host over half of Canada’s immigrant population. In contrast, only about 60% of the Canadian-born population lives in CMAs.
What is the difference between a province and a territory regarding immigration?
Provinces have more control over immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows them to nominate individuals who meet local labor market needs. Territories also have a nominee program (the Territorial Nominee Program), but it is smaller in scale. However, the federal government still issues the actual visas and permanent residence.
How do immigrant numbers compare to previous censuses?
The 2021 Census showed a 14% increase in the immigrant population since 2016, the highest growth rate in over 30 years. This was partly due to the government’s target of welcoming over 400,000 new permanent residents per year starting in 2021.
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