In recent years, Canada has witnessed a significant influx of immigrants, with a notable increase in the proportion of male newcomers. This trend has resulted in the female majority in the country shrinking to its narrowest margin in decades. According to an analysis by Doug Porter, the chief economist at Bank of Montreal, the population of adult men grew by 3.4% over the past year, while women saw a 2.9% increase. This has created the widest gap in growth between the two groups in almost 50 years.
The disparity is even more pronounced in the 25-to-44 age bracket, where men's numbers have surged by 4.8% while women's figures increased by 3.9%. As of January, there are approximately 141,000 more men than women in this age group, compared to the long-term average difference of zero. Porter suggests that this trend of higher male population growth in this age group seems to be more permanent.
These figures reflect the changing demographic landscape of Canada, primarily driven by the country's liberal immigration policy. The aim is to expand the workforce rapidly and counter long-term economic decline caused by an aging population. Canada's population growth outpaced other Group of Seven nations, China, and India, registering a growth rate of 3.2% in a one-year period until October 1. The majority of this growth can be attributed to a surge in international migration, particularly among foreign students and temporary workers.
For several decades, starting from the late 1970s and continuing into the early 2010s, Canada's population skewed more towards females. However, this trend has been reversing over the past decade as the male population has been growing at a faster rate. As of 2022, the gender gap between men and women in Canada is at its narrowest in over 30 years.
Globally, advanced economies with older populations tend to have higher proportions of women due to their longer life expectancy. Conversely, countries with a higher share of younger people often skew more male, and government policies can contribute to amplifying this disparity. Notably, large migrant worker populations have led to significant gender imbalances in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The implications of this shifting gender ratio in Canada are both social and economic, with potential long-term consequences. Armine Yalnizyan, a labor economist and research fellow at the Atkinson Foundation, emphasizes that the issue extends beyond the immediate economic impact and pertains to societal and personal aspects. Focusing primarily on labor shortages and economic needs may neglect the human aspects such as forming families, healthcare requirements, and aging populations.
As Canada continues to attract immigrants at an accelerated pace, it is essential for policymakers and stakeholders to consider the long-term effects of these trends and find ways to maintain a balance that accommodates both the immediate economic needs and the overall well-being of individuals and families in the country.