Canada is welcoming record numbers of migrants, many from the UK, according to the Canadian Immigration Minister.

“While other Western countries cut back on immigration during the recession, our government kept legal immigration levels high. Canada’s post-recession economy demands a high level of economic immigration to keep our economy strong,” said Minister Kenney.

“In 2010, we welcomed the highest number of permanent residents in the past 50 years to support Canada’s economic recovery while taking action to maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration system with the introduction of the Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act.”

In 2010, Canada admitted 280,636 permanent residents, about six per cent more than the government’s planned range of 240,000 to 265,000 new permanent residents for 2010. This is in line with the announcement made in June last year to adjust the 2010 immigration plan to meet the need for economic immigration. The 280,636 figure is about 60,000 higher than the average annual intake of permanent residents in the 1990s.

The high number of economic immigrants in 2010 has helped the Canadian Immigration department decrease application backlogs in the federal skilled worker category, reduce wait times under the Action Plan for Faster Immigration, and better meet labour market needs.

For information on emigrating to Canada, plus a look at available jobs, get your tickets to Canada Live in London on the 5th & 6th March