The federal government plans to bring half-a-million new immigrants into Canada each year until 2025.

In releasing the new targets, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says the move is needed  to ensure Canada’s economic prosperity.

With about one-million job vacancies across the country, the plan puts an emphasis on increasing the number of immigrants to be admitted based on their work skills or experience.

The planned increase will be balanced against a decrease in the number of refugees brought into the country.

Canada welcomed more than 405,000 newcomers despite  disruptions caused by the pandemic in 2021, and is on track to receive 431,000 permanent residents this year.