Contrary to a widespread perception, immigration policy can do little to help Canada meet the public policy challenges posed by rapid population aging, according to a study from the C.D. Howe Institute. Although there are many reasons for Canadians to welcome more immigrants, the study argues, immigration on its own can do little to alleviate the likely consequences of aging on the age profile of the population and on government finances.
The Backgrounder, "No Elixir of Youth: Immigration Cannot Keep Canada Young," is written by Yvan Guillemette, Policy Analyst, and William Robson, President and CEO of the C.D. Howe Institute. They use a detailed Canadian demographic model to project the impact of various levels and age mixes of immigration on the old-age dependency ratio over the next 50 years. Boosting annual immigration to 1 percent of the population, as proposed by the former federal government, would notappreciably affect Canada's age structure. The study is available at www.cdhowe.org/pdf/backgrounder_96.pdf For further information: Yvan Guillemette, Policy Analyst, or William Robson, President and CEO, (416) 865-1904; cdhowe@cdhowe.org
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