Can Canada stop immigration? The simple answer is No.

Even as rising underemployment, legislative backlogs, and growing anti-immigrant sentiment dampen the country’s appeal to global talent, the truth remains: Canada’s future hinges on immigration. The country’s long-term economic and social well-being depends not just on continued immigration but on improving it.

A demographic reality

Canada is currently facing a pressing demographic crisis. The implications are dire, with nearly one in five Canadians over 65 and a national fertility rate of just 1.4 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed for natural population replacement. Without a steady influx of newcomers, Canada’s population will rapidly age and decline.

In 2023, immigration accounted for 97.6% of all population growth, including both permanent and temporary residents. And the workforce impact is even more pronounced: projections suggest Canada needs over 9 million new workers by 2030 to offset retirements and support economic growth. That kind of gap can’t be filled domestically—not in time.

My journey—and the barriers others still face

Despite the numbers, systemic barriers continue to sideline skilled immigrants. I immigrated to Canada as a seasoned HR executive with over a decade of experience. Yet the only job options offered to me were as a janitor, kitchen helper, dishwasher, salesperson, or taxi driver. It wasn’t my résumé holding me back—it was bias.

It took years to prove my qualifications and rebuild a career in my field. I now teach HR management courses at reputable universities in British Columbia and have led federally and provincially funded employment programs. But my story is the exception. Far too many skilled newcomers remain stuck in survival jobs, unable to break through systemic obstacles and biases.

One of the biggest problems? Fragmentation between key institutions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and provincial settlement ministries operate in silos. Their lack of coordination leads to underutilized talent, wasted potential, and deep frustration.

And then there’s the harder truth: racism—sometimes hidden, sometimes not—continues to undermine the immigrant experience. The phrase I heard most often, “You don’t have Canadian qualification and experience.” Behind those words, too often, are assumptions shaped more by prejudice than policy.

Global competition is real

Canada isn’t the only country seeking skilled migrants. The United States, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. are all in the game. If Canada falters—if it slows immigration too much or fails to make newcomers feel valued—it will fall behind economically and technologically.

Already, immigration drives over 75% of Canada’s population growth and fuels nearly all net labour force expansion. Without it, GDP growth would stall. With it—and with proper integration—Canada can thrive.

A final concern: literacy at home

One more sobering data point. According to the OECD’s adult competencies survey, just 49% of Canadian adults aged 16 to 65 possess literacy skills at or above Level 3—the minimum required to function effectively in a complex, modern society. That means 51% struggle with moderately complex materials.

If we’re serious about building a competitive, inclusive future, we need immigrants—and we need to do more to recognize, respect, and fully integrate their talents.

Immigration is not optional

Yes, Canada can temporarily slow immigration to manage infrastructure or housing pressures. But it cannot afford to stop it. The stakes are too high. What’s needed now is not less immigration, but smarter immigration—and a collective will to make good on the promise that Canada is a place where skill and effort are rewarded, regardless of where you were born.

Dr. Kishore Anand, Ph.D., MBA, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, COC, CCP, is an internationally experienced professional with a background in senior executive roles at major multinational corporations. He has delivered workshops on organizational change, adaptability, and motivation at both national and international forums. Currently, he teaches Business Administration at leading universities in British Columbia and serves as visiting faculty at top management institutes in India. In recognition of his contributions to professional excellence, to his company and community engagement, he has received both the Business Excellence Award and the Cultural Diversity Award, presented by the Mayor of Surrey.