Canada welcomes largest number of immigrants in first quarter since at least 1972

Statistics Canada says the country welcomed more than 145,000 immigrants during the first three months of the year.

That's the highest number for a single quarter on record, since comparable data became available in 1972.

The federal agency released its quarterly population estimates today, showing Canada continues to grow rapidly.

The pace of population growth was the fastest on record for a first quarter as well, with 98 per cent of the growth coming from immigration.

On June 16, Canada's population reached 40 million, according to Stats Canada's population clock.

The federal government released new immigration targets in the fall that will see Canada welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 28, 2023.