OTTAWA—Canada’s immigration patterns have radically altered in recent years, with western provinces—particularly the Prairies—overtaking Toronto as the primary destination for new immigrants.
Statistics Canada reports this week that compared to 2000 levels, the number of new immigrants settling in Canada’s largest city has fallen, with more new arrivals opting for destinations such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“In the past it was Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver as the designation. Now we are seeing Saskatchewan and Alberta,” said Aneta Bonikowska, an analyst at Statistics Canada and one of the authors of the report.
“Our main interest in this study was what could have accounted for this shift.”
In the 2000s, Toronto was the destination for half of all new immigrants to Canada, but according to recent figures, 33 percent of new arrivals are forsaking Toronto for other destinations.
Statistics Canada suggested that the change coincides with a shift in provincial programs.
