Diversity in Canada
What is diversity?
Certainly! “Diversity” can refer to a variety of characteristics such as ethnicity, race, language, religion, and more. Here are some key statistics on diversity in Canada across a few different dimensions:
Why is diversity important?
Diversity is necessary because it brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. When people with different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences work together, they can challenge each other’s assumptions and biases, which can lead to new and innovative solutions to problems.
Moreover, a diverse workforce is essential for creating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture. It allows people from different backgrounds to feel valued and heard, which can lead to higher employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity. Additionally, having a diverse workforce can help companies better understand and serve their customers, who are often diverse themselves.
Furthermore, diversity has a positive impact on society as a whole. It promotes equality and helps to reduce discrimination and prejudice. By embracing diversity, we can create a more tolerant and accepting society where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
In summary, diversity is necessary because it brings new ideas and perspectives to the table, creates a more inclusive workplace culture, and promotes equality and tolerance in society.
Immigration in Canada
Why is Immigration important in Canada?
Immigration is very important in Canada, both historically and presently. Here are some reasons why:
Economic Growth: Immigration is crucial to Canada’s economy. It helps to fill labour shortages in various sectors and industries, and contributes to the growth of the country’s GDP. The government of Canada has various programs and policies in place to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world to contribute to the country’s economic success.
Diversity and Inclusion: Canada is known for its diverse population, which is largely the result of immigration. It helps to foster a welcoming and inclusive society, and allows for the exchange of different ideas, cultures, and perspectives. Canada’s multiculturalism policy encourages immigrants to retain their cultural heritage while also becoming part of the wider Canadian community.
Population Growth: Canada has a relatively low birth rate, and immigration helps to offset the aging population and declining birth rate. It ensures that there are enough people to sustain the country’s workforce and support social programs such as healthcare and education.
Humanitarian Reasons: Canada has a long history of welcoming refugees and providing protection to those who are fleeing persecution and violence in their home countries. Immigration is an important way for Canada to demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian values and provide a safe haven for those in need.
Overall, immigration is essential to Canada’s social, economic, and cultural development. It helps to strengthen the country’s workforce, diversify its population, and contribute to its overall success and prosperity.
Ethnic and Racial Diversity
Canada is known for being a diverse and multicultural country, with a population of approximately 38 million people as of 2021. According to the most recent Census data from 2016, the population of Canada is made up of the following ethnic groups:
According to the 2021 Census, 22.7% of the Canadian population identified as a visible minority, which refers to individuals who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in color. This is up from 22.3% in the 2016 Census.
The three largest visible minority groups in Canada are South Asian (26.4% of visible minorities), Chinese (21.3%), and Black (16.2%).
The Indigenous population in Canada is also diverse, with over 630 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across the country.
Language Diversity
Canada is officially bilingual in English and French, but many other languages are also spoken across the country. According to the 2016 Census, over 200 languages were reported as a mother tongue or home language in Canada.
The most commonly spoken languages in Canada after English and French are Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, and Italian.
According to the same Census data, the most commonly spoken languages in Canada, other than English and French, are:
It’s worth noting that these figures are from 2021 and may have changed in the years since. Additionally, Canada is a country that values diversity and inclusivity, and as such, it is committed to ongoing efforts to promote and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Population Growth
- In 2020, the estimated population of Canada was 38 million people.
- The population growth rate in Canada has been slowing down in recent years, with an estimated growth rate of 0.9% in 2020.
- Immigration has been a major driver of population growth in Canada. In 2019, Canada welcomed 341,180 immigrants, the highest number since 1913.
- Canada’s birth rate has been declining in recent years, with an average of 1.47 children born per woman in 2019.
- The province of Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, with an estimated population of 14.7 million people in 2020. The province of Nunavut has the lowest population, with an estimated 39,000 people in 2020.
- The cities of Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are the three most populous cities in Canada, with populations of 2.93 million, 1.7 million, and 647,540, respectively, as of 2020.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 37,742,154 |
| 2019 | 37,411,047 |
| 2018 | 37,074,562 |
| 2017 | 36,728,137 |
| 2016 | 36,286,378 |
| 2015 | 35,870,515 |
| 2014 | 35,476,337 |
| 2013 | 35,099,836 |
| 2012 | 34,738,127 |
| 2011 | 34,391,688 |
| 2010 | 34,057,947 |
Religious Diversity
Canada is a diverse country in terms of religion, with Christianity being the most commonly practiced religion, followed by Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, among others.
According to the 2011 National Household Survey, 23.9% of Canadians reported having no religious affiliation.
It’s worth noting that these statistics are constantly evolving as Canada continues to welcome immigrants from around the world and as the population shifts over time.
Religion in Canada: In the city of Toronto, Roman Catholics made up 33.4% of the population, followed by Protestants with 21.2%. Orthodox Christians made up 4.9% of the population, while the rest of the Christians—those who did not clearly identify as Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox—made up 3.9%. Islam makes up 5.5% of the city’s religious population, along with Hinduism (4.1%), Judaism (3.5%), Buddhism (2.1%), Sikhism (1%), and other communities; 16.6% of the population indicated they had no religious connection.
Toronto (667,320) : Catholic 31.1%, No religious affiliation 26.2%, Protestant 20.8%, Jewish 5.0%, Muslim 4.0%, Christian Orthodox 3.7%, Buddhist 3.4%
North York (603,060) : Catholic 30.2%, Protestant 18.0%, No religious affiliation 15.8%, Jewish 10.1%, Muslim 7.8%, Christian Orthodox 5.2%, Christian, not included elsewhere 4.6%, Hindu 4.1%
Scarborough (588,675) : Catholic 26.2%, Protestant 22.8%, No religious affiliation 19.7%, Hindu 9.7%, Muslim 7.8%, Christian Orthodox 5.1%, Christian, not included elsewhere 4.7%,
Etobicoke (334,570) : Catholic 39.6%, Protestant 24.6%, No religious affiliation 11.3%, Muslim 6.9%, Hindu 4.9%, Christian Orthodox 4.3%, Christian, not included elsewhere 3.5%, Sikh 3.3%
York (148,940) : Catholic 45.6%, Protestant 18.8%, No religious affiliation 12.8%, Muslim 5.0%, Christian, not included elsewhere 4.4%, Christian Orthodox 3.9%, Jewish 3.7%
East York (114,245) : Protestant 25.3%, Catholic 23.6%, No religious affiliation 17.1%, Muslim 12.5%, Christian Orthodox 12.0%, Hindu 3.7%
Student Population Diversity
Canada remains a popular destination for international students, thanks to its world-class education system, welcoming and inclusive society, and opportunities for career and personal growth.
According to Statistics Canada, in 2020, there were approximately 2.2 million full-time students enrolled in Canadian universities, colleges, and polytechnic institutions. This represented an increase of 1.3% from the previous year. In terms of the distribution of students, the majority (76.7%) were enrolled in undergraduate programs, while 16.1% were in graduate programs, and the remaining 7.2% were in other programs. According to data from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), as of 2020, Canada welcomed over 642,000 international students. This represents a significant increase from the 2019 figure of over 404,000 international students.
The top five source countries for international students in Canada are India, China, South Korea, France, and Vietnam. These five countries account for almost half of all international students in Canada. International students are distributed throughout Canada, with Ontario and British Columbia being the most popular provinces for study, followed by Quebec, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. The economic impact of international students in Canada is significant. In 2018, they contributed over CAD $21 billion to the Canadian economy and supported over 170,000 jobs.
Canada is known for its cultural diversity, and this is reflected in its student population as well. Here are some examples of diversity among students in Canada:
Cultural Diversity: Canada is home to people from various cultures, and this diversity is reflected in the student population. Students in Canada come from various ethnic backgrounds such as Indigenous, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Korean, African, and many more.
Language Diversity: Canada has two official languages, English and French, and students from different linguistic backgrounds are represented in the student population. Additionally, many universities offer courses in other languages, such as Spanish, German, Italian, and Chinese, to name a few.
International Students: Canada is a popular destination for international students, and they make up a significant portion of the student population. International students come from various countries, including China, India, Nigeria, South Korea, and many others.
Diversity in Abilities: Students with disabilities are also represented in the student population in Canada. Many universities have programs and facilities to support students with disabilities, such as accessible buildings, assistive technologies, and academic accommodations.
Age Diversity: The student population in Canada is diverse in terms of age as well. While the majority of students are in their late teens and early twenties, there are also mature students who are pursuing higher education later in life.
Overall, Canada’s student population is incredibly diverse, which creates a rich learning environment and helps to foster a sense of understanding and inclusivity among students.
International Students by Country Origin
International student in Canada by country:
According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), in the academic year 2019-2020, Canada hosted a total of 642,480 international students from over 180 countries. The top ten countries of origin for international students in Canada were:
India – 219,855 students
China – 140,745 students
South Korea – 27,065 students
Brazil – 23,030 students
France – 18,180 students
Nigeria – 16,425 students
Vietnam – 15,895 students
Iran – 15,350 students
Japan – 13,790 students
Mexico – 13,045 students
Indian Students in Canada
As of 2021, there were over 200,000 international students in Canada from India, making it the second-largest source country of international students after China. Indian students in Canada are attracted to the country’s high-quality education system, safe and welcoming environment, and opportunities for employment and permanent residency.
According to data from the Canadian government, Indian students are enrolled in a variety of fields in Canada, with the most popular being computer science, engineering, business and management, and health professions.
Indian students in Canada also make significant contributions to the country’s economy, as they spend money on tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. They also contribute to the country’s cultural diversity and help strengthen ties between Canada and India.
Overall, Indian students play an important role in Canada’s education system and economy, and are valued members of the Canadian community.
