On This Page You Will Find
- How Canada’s Latin American population has grown
- The shift from refugee to economic immigration
- Where Latin American communities live across Canada
- Education and employment outcomes
- Housing and social inclusion challenges
- What the findings mean for Canadian immigration
Canada’s Latin American population has almost tripled over the past two decades, with economic immigration replacing refugee admissions as the dominant pathway for newcomers.
A new Statistics Canada report highlights how immigration patterns have shifted significantly since the 1980s, with today’s Latin American immigrants more likely to arrive through skilled worker programs, possess university degrees and contribute to Canada’s labour market.
The report, based on 2021 Census data, also identifies ongoing challenges, including higher rates of overqualification, housing affordability issues and experiences of discrimination.
Latin American Population Nearly Triples
Statistics Canada reported that 726,820 people identified as Latin American in Canada in 2021, representing 2.0 per cent of the country’s population.
That compares with 251,585 people, or 0.9 per cent of the population, in 2001.
More than one-quarter (27.8 per cent) of Latin Americans in Canada were born in Canada. Mexico accounted for 13.2 per cent of the population, while Colombia was the largest South American country of birth at 12.9 per cent, followed by Brazil at 7.4 per cent.
Economic Immigration Now Dominates
One of the report’s clearest findings is the transformation in immigration pathways.
During the 1980s and early 1990s, most Latin American immigrants came to Canada as refugees, reflecting political instability and conflict across several countries in Central and South America.
Since the 2000s, however, economic immigration has become the primary route.
The trend varies by country of origin.
Nearly three-quarters (72.0 per cent) of Brazilian immigrants and 60.6 per cent of Venezuelan immigrants entered Canada through economic immigration programs.
Mexicans were divided mainly between economic immigration (41.6 per cent) and family sponsorship (36.9 per cent).
By contrast, 71.3 per cent of Central Americans who arrived during the 1980s and early 1990s came as refugees. Since the mid-1990s, admissions have become much more balanced across economic, family and refugee categories.
Ontario Remains The Main Destination
Ontario continues to attract the largest share of Latin Americans, with 42.9 per cent of the population living in the province.
Quebec ranks second with 28.9 per cent, followed by British Columbia at 12.1 per cent and Alberta at 11.3 per cent.
Settlement patterns differ depending on country of birth.
Three-quarters of Ecuador-born Latin Americans live in Ontario, while Quebec attracts the largest shares of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Peru and Colombia. British Columbia has strong Mexican and Brazilian communities, while Alberta has become an important destination for Venezuelans.
A Young And Highly Educated Population
Latin Americans represent a relatively young population in Canada.
More than half (51.1 per cent) were between the ages of 25 and 54 in 2021, compared with 37.4 per cent of the non-racialized, non-Indigenous population.
Educational attainment is also high.
Among Latin Americans aged 25 to 54:
- 42.1 per cent held a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The figure reached 53.6 per cent among those born in South America.
- Recent immigrants admitted between 2016 and 2021 were particularly well educated, with 60.7 per cent holding at least a bachelor’s degree.
The findings reflect Canada’s increasing reliance on skilled immigration programs, which place greater emphasis on education and professional qualifications.
Skilled Workers Still Face Employment Barriers
Despite high education levels, many Latin Americans struggle to find employment that matches their qualifications.
Among degree holders aged 25 to 54 who worked during 2020 or 2021, 21.8 per cent were considered overqualified for their jobs, meaning they worked in occupations requiring no more than a high school education.
That compares with 10.4 per cent among the non-racialized, non-Indigenous population.
The challenge affects women more than men and remains evident even among those who earned their university degrees in Canada.
Housing Challenges Persist
Housing affordability remains another significant issue.
Only 59.8 per cent of Latin Americans lived in housing considered acceptable under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation standards, compared with 78.3 per cent of the non-racialized, non-Indigenous population.
The gap was particularly pronounced in Toronto and Vancouver, where housing costs remain among the highest in Canada.
Experiences Of Discrimination Affect Wellbeing
Statistics Canada’s analysis also examined social inclusion.
According to the 2020 General Social Survey, 44.7 per cent of Latin Americans reported experiencing discrimination during the six years before 2021.
The most common reasons included language, ethnicity or culture, and race or colour.
Those who experienced discrimination were significantly less likely to report high life satisfaction and more likely to report a weaker sense of belonging within their local communities.
What The Findings Mean
The report highlights how Canada’s immigration system has evolved over recent decades.
Latin American immigration has shifted from humanitarian admissions towards economic immigration, bringing increasing numbers of highly educated workers into Canada’s labour market.
At the same time, the findings suggest policymakers still face challenges in helping internationally trained professionals fully use their skills while improving housing affordability and strengthening social inclusion for growing newcomer communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is Canada’s Latin American population?
In 2021, 726,820 people identified as Latin American, representing 2.0 per cent of Canada’s total population. The community has nearly tripled in size since 2001, making it one of Canada’s fastest-growing racialized population groups. More than one-quarter of Latin Americans in Canada were born in the country.
How has Latin American immigration to Canada changed?
The biggest shift has been from refugee admissions to economic immigration. While refugees dominated arrivals during the 1980s and early 1990s, skilled worker programs have become the primary pathway since the 2000s. Family sponsorship also remains an important immigration route for many newcomers.
Which provinces have the largest Latin American communities?
Ontario has the largest Latin American population, followed by Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. However, settlement patterns differ by country of origin, with some national groups concentrating in particular provinces based on employment opportunities, family connections and established communities.
Are Latin American immigrants highly educated?
Yes. More than two in five Latin Americans aged 25 to 54 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and recent immigrants are even more highly educated. Canada’s economic immigration programs increasingly select candidates based on education, work experience and language ability.
What challenges do Latin Americans face after arriving in Canada?
Many highly educated Latin Americans remain overqualified for their jobs despite strong qualifications. Housing affordability also presents challenges, particularly in major cities. In addition, many report experiencing discrimination, which is linked to lower life satisfaction and a weaker sense of community belonging.