Nearly one in four Canadian workers is projected to be 55 or older by 2021, according to Statistics Canada, and one in three will be foreign-born by 2031.
Between 2001 and 2009, the proportion of people in the labour force aged 55 and older rose from 10% to 17%, with the first baby boomers reaching 55 in 2001.
This increase is projected to continue through 2021, when the succeeding cohorts of baby boomers reach 55.
Also, by 2031, the ratio of people in the labour force compared with retired seniors aged 65 and older is projected to decline.
In 1981, there were roughly six people in the labour force for each retiree. By 2031, this ratio is projected to decline to less than three to one.
Between 1991 and 2006, the percentage of foreign-born people in the labour force rose 21.2% from 18.5%.
If recent immigration levels were to continue, that proportion is projected to reach almost 33% in 2031.
Jennifer Harrison