There are several explanations for the increase in comparison to the previous levels plan. One factor is that the current government of Canada is supportive of immigration, viewing it as beneficial to Canada’s economy and society. Unlike some other countries the Canadian public also has a generally positive view of immigration and is therefore more likely to be accepting of higher immigration levels. Finally the new levels plan likely includes a certain amount of ‘catch-up’ from the unusual year that 2020 has been.

Although Canada has continued to invite, and to process immigration applications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the numerous travel restrictions in place in Canada and around the world have meant that many applicants who have been approved to come to Canada have been unable to do so. As a result, although Canada has been inviting and accepting a record-high number of potential immigrants in 2020, actual arrivals have been dramatically less than in 2019. It is reasonable to expect that as the effects of the pandemic on global travel are lessened immigrants previously approved will arrive in greater numbers.

Ultimately the new levels plan serves to confirm two things about Canadian immigration: Canada remains committed to welcoming large and increasing numbers of immigrants in the years to come, and Canada’s economic immigration pathways will continue to be a substantial contributor of Canada’s overall immigration totals.