Projected Population Size and Age Structure for Canada and Provinces: With and Without International Migration

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of net international migration on prospective population growth and age structure in Canada for the next 50 years. It also examines the impact of international migration on provincial growth and distribution. The procedure used in this study is by comparing two projected population scenarios, one with international migration and the other without international migration, based on the latest 2005-based population projections. The analysis of the scenarios shows that the assumed level of international migration which is higher than the current level contributes to a continuous increase in population over the next 50 years, but has limited effect to prevent or offset the overall aging trend.