Mass immigration 'population trap' undermining Canada's prosperity

Madeline Weld, president of Population Institute Canada, is sounding the alarm on Canada's current immigration policy, arguing that it is contributing to a "population trap" that is detrimental to the country's prosperity.

This situation is characterized by a scenario where population growth outpaces economic growth per capita, typically seen in underdeveloped nations. Despite the federal government's assertion that immigration fuels economic growth, recent data from the OECD suggests that while Canada's total GDP has been on the rise, real GDP per capita, which is a measure of individual economic well-being, has declined below pre-pandemic levels.

The OECD's 2025 economic survey of Canada reveals that while the country's population has been growing at a rapid pace, real GDP per capita has only increased by a meager 0.5% from 2015 to 2023. This is partly attributed to the lower productivity levels of recent immigrants, many of whom fall into the low-skilled, non-permanent resident category.

Weld points to Japan as an example of a country that has managed its population decline effectively, maintaining a stable economy and high standard of living despite a shrinking population. Japan's approach to managing its demographic challenges includes investing in automation, artificial intelligence, and supporting its aging population rather than relying heavily on immigration.

The housing crisis is another issue closely linked to high immigration levels, as increased demand for homes without a corresponding increase in supply leads to skyrocketing prices and unaffordability for many Canadians. Moreover, the quality of social services and infrastructure can suffer when they are not adequately scaled to accommodate a growing population.

Furthermore, Weld questions the environmental implications of high immigration levels, as newcomers tend to increase their greenhouse gas emissions by a factor of 4.2 upon arriving in Canada. This seems at odds with the Liberal government's green agenda, which aims to reduce the country's carbon footprint.

Weld criticizes the focus on GDP growth as the sole measure of success and calls for a shift towards metrics that reflect human well-being. She suggests that the push for 15-minute cities, which involves densifying urban areas and reducing the need for long commutes, may not be the answer to Canadians' desire for a better quality of life. Instead, it could lead to further challenges, such as higher rates of drug use, overdose, and suicide, which are often linked to a lack of access to nature.

The Population Institute Canada advocates for a more balanced approach to immigration, one that takes into account the carrying capacity of the country and the needs of the existing population. This includes investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as considering the environmental impact of population growth.

Beverly Nadiger