Canada is currently grappling with a new era of low birth rates, an aging population, and rising economic demands, making sustainable, inclusive population growth more urgent than ever. As a Board Member of the Century Initiative, a non-partisan and non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing Canada’s long-term prosperity through responsible population growth, I see firsthand the importance of their work.
The Century Initiative recently released the Growing Smarter report, which advocates for a national “smart growth” framework that balances economic priorities with social equity and environmental sustainability, emphasising a coordinated approach to growth, addressing long-term planning, infrastructure, immigration, and cross-sector partnerships to strengthen Canada’s resilience and global standing.
Canada’s declining population is not just a concern; it’s a pressing issue that significantly strains the economy. The country urgently needs a National Growth Framework to address this. The government’s recent plan to reduce permanent resident immigration targets over the next few years will further slow population growth, which raises growing concerns about economic stagnation, workforce shortages, and Canada’s diminished global influence.
The Century Initiative warns that without a structured approach to population growth—supported by immigration and other strategic measures—Canada risks becoming an “older and poorer” nation, disconnected from global opportunities and will be unprepared for future challenges. A coordinated national framework would allow Canada to proactively approach population growth, helping boost the economy and meet social needs.
This framework would balance growth with sustainable services and infrastructure by aligning housing, healthcare, and transportation policies. It would also foster economic resilience and community well-being, enabling Canada to better meet demands for talent, innovation, and infrastructure. Ultimately, this framework would enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, ensuring that our nation remains a great place to live and work.
The report outlines six fundamental principles that should guide a national smart growth framework to support Canada’s long-term prosperity:
- Economic Resilience
The framework must enhance Canada’s economic resilience by building a skilled and adaptable workforce to meet present and future demands. Investing in long-term human capital is crucial, given the evolving labour market, influenced by climate change, technological disruptions, and aging demographics. Strategic planning must emphasise high productivity, innovation, and economic dynamism, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all Canadians, particularly for equity-seeking groups.
- Inclusive and Sustainable Communities
Inclusive communities are essential to supporting both social cohesion and democratic engagement. Policies promoting cultural integration, equitable access to services, and adequate housing are vital to ensuring population growth, which provides existing social issues that do not intensify, like the housing crisis and further strains on Canada’s healthcare system. A holistic approach to infrastructure planning is necessary to build climate-resilient and livable communities that foster a supportive environment where people can thrive across all life stages.
- Strategic Immigration
Strategic immigration should be leveraged for economic and demographic renewal, advancing initiatives to attract global talent and securing long-term residency. Recent declines in public support for immigration highlight the importance of creating transparent and fair pathways to permanent residency that align with Canada’s labour market needs and broader economic goals. Canada can foster a vibrant economy and effectively compete globally by prioritizing high-skill human capital and recognizing the value of immigrant entrepreneurs.
- Regional Development and Partnerships
Given Canada’s regional diversity, it’s essential to accommodate varied needs across provinces and territories and consider the needs of Indigenous communities. Customized regional strategies can address distinct labour market requirements, infrastructure gaps, and economic goals. The framework must also uphold Indigenous rights and support self-determination, ensuring Indigenous perspectives and priorities are central to Canada’s population growth strategy. By coordinating regional and federal efforts, Canada can ensure balanced population growth across urban and rural areas.
- Future-Oriented and Evidence-Informed Planning
Long-term planning that is evidence-based and responsive to changing demographic patterns is essential for sustainable growth. By using data to guide decision-making and measure impact, policymakers can better anticipate future needs and ensure that resources are effectively allocated. A forward-looking framework should engage stakeholders at all levels — including young Canadians — to integrate diverse perspectives and align short-term actions with long-term prosperity goals.
- Global Partnerships and National Security
Canada’s population growth strategy should reinforce its commitments on the global stage while addressing national security concerns. Immigration policies should reflect Canada’s human rights and environmental obligations, support refugee resettlement and respond to climate-related migration. Furthermore, a well-managed immigration system can contribute to Canada’s security by bolstering innovation and helping to protect against threats. International collaboration and security screenings are crucial to balancing growth with security.
Building a comprehensive framework for Canada requires collective commitment and collaboration across sectors and governments. The Century Initiative calls for the federal government to lead this effort, working with provinces, territories, Indigenous governments, local authorities, and private stakeholders. This framework should guide policy, foster alignment, and prompt immediate action on pressing issues, such as incorporating these principles into immigration planning and coordinating efforts in housing, infrastructure, and labour development to address population challenges. Long-term, cross-sectoral engagement will be essential for a sustainable growth strategy that benefits all Canadians, setting the stage for a thriving, prosperous future.
