As Canada's population reaches 40 million, non-permanent residents a growing share, study finds

Non-permanent residents (NPRs) represent a growing share of Canada's population, according to a new study by Statistics Canada based on the 2021 census.

Non-permanent residents (NPRs) represent a growing share of Canada's population, according to a new study by Statistics Canada based on the 2021 census.

When NPRs were first counted in the 1991 census, they made up 0.8 per cent of the population. Now, the 2021 census shows 924,850 residents, or 2.5 per cent of Canada’s population, which surpassed 40 million people on Friday, are NPRs.

These are people who do not have the right to vote, but can participate in key sectors of the country such as the postsecondary education system, and contribute to the economy as consumers and workers – if granted a work permit.

Canada, like many other countries, grants temporary foreign workers, international students and asylum claimants the right to live in the country temporarily.

The census noted those with a work permit only made up 40.1 per cent of NPRs, while another 14.2 per cent had a work and study permit. Those with a study permit alone (mostly international students) represented 21.9 per cent, while asylum claimants (people seeking refugee protection) accounted for 15.1 per cent.

The remaining 8.7 per cent have a combination of NPR types like temporary resident permit holders or family members of Canadian residents.

In light of Canada’s aging population, declining fertility rates and labour shortages, the country relies on NPRs for the economy.