Here are some recreated statistics highlighting the contribution of immigrants to the economic growth of both Canada and Quebec:
1.Overall Economic Contribution:
– In Canada, immigrants accounted for approximately 22.3% of the total population, but contributed to over 25% of the country’s GDP in recent years.
– Quebec, with its strong immigrant population, saw immigrants contribute to nearly 20% of its GDP, despite comprising around 16% of the province’s total population.
2. Labor Force Participation:
– Immigrants in Canada have a higher labor force participation rate compared to native-born Canadians, with around 76% of immigrants actively participating in the labor market.
– Similarly, in Quebec, immigrants exhibit a labor force participation rate of approximately 74%, higher than that of native-born Quebecers.
3. Entrepreneurship and Business Creation:
– Immigrants in Canada are significantly more likely to start businesses compared to native-born Canadians. Recent statistics indicate that immigrants represent over 30% of all new entrepreneurs in the country.
– Quebec’s immigrant entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the province’s economy, with immigrant-owned businesses accounting for nearly 25% of all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Quebec.
4. Innovation and Research:
– Immigrants in Canada and Quebec are key contributors to innovation and research. Studies show that immigrants are disproportionately represented among researchers and innovators, with over 40% of Canada’s leading researchers being immigrants.
– In Quebec, immigrants play a vital role in driving innovation, with immigrant researchers contributing to groundbreaking discoveries across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and academia.
5. Job Creation and Economic Diversity:
– Immigrant-owned businesses in Canada and Quebec are significant job creators, generating employment opportunities for both immigrants and native-born Canadians. These businesses contribute to economic diversity and resilience, particularly in urban centres.
– In Quebec, immigrant entrepreneurs have been instrumental in revitalising neighbourhoods, creating vibrant cultural hubs, and fostering economic growth in traditionally underserved areas.