Ethnic origins of people in Canada

The 2021 Census Snapshot

The 2021 Canadian census provided a detailed portrait of the country's ethnic composition. Over 450 ethnic or cultural origins were self-reported, with 36 percent of Canadians reporting multiple origins and over 60 percent reporting a single origin. The major panethnic groups, as categorized by Statistics Canada, were European at 52.5 percent, North American at 22.9 percent, Asian at 19.3 percent, North American Indigenous at 6.1 percent, African at 3.8 percent, Latin, Central and South American at 2.5 percent, Caribbean at 2.1 percent, Oceanian at 0.3 percent, and other at 6 percent. The ten largest specific origins were Canadian, English, Irish, Scottish, French, German, Chinese, Italian, Indian, and Ukrainian. The census also reported that 25.4 million people, or 69.8 percent of the population, identified as "White". The Indigenous population was recorded at 1.8 million people, representing 5 percent of the total and growing at a faster rate than the non-Indigenous population from 2016 to 2021.

A significant and growing segment is the visible minority population, which accounted for 26.5 percent of Canadians in 2021. The largest visible minority groups were South Asian, Chinese, Black, Filipino, Arab, Latin American, Southeast Asian, West Asian, Korean, and Japanese. The 2021 census also marked a milestone in immigration, with 23.0 percent of the population reporting themselves as a landed immigrant or permanent resident, the largest proportion since the 1921 census. The top countries of origin for these immigrants were India, China, and the Philippines, reflecting a continued shift in source regions from earlier periods dominated by European migration. Between 2011 and 2016, the visible minority population had already risen by 18.4 percent, indicating a strong and sustained trend of increasing diversity.

Historical Evolution: 1871 to 1921

From Confederation through the early 20th century, Canada's ethnic composition was dominated by groups from western and northern Europe. The four largest origin groups were French, English, Irish, and Scottish. The French population, which formed a plurality until just before 1921, grew primarily through natural increase from early settlers, as immigration from France was limited. Its numbers rose from 1,082,940 in 1871 to 2,452,743 in 1921, though its share of the total population fell from 31.1 percent to 27.1 percent. In contrast, the English, Irish, and Scottish populations expanded through a combination of natural increase and high immigration during the Great Migration of Canada.

The English community experienced particularly rapid growth, especially in the first two decades of the 1900s, surging from 705,369 in 1871 to 2,545,358 in 1921. Its share of the population increased from 20.3 percent to 29.0 percent, making it the largest single ethnic group by 1921. The Irish population grew more slowly during this period, its share dropping from 24.3 percent to 12.6 percent due to massive English immigration. By the turn of the century, immigration from the British Isles began to decline as a proportion of total immigration, and federal policy encouraged settlement from continental Europe to populate the Prairies. This led to rapid growth in communities of German, Scandinavian, and Soviet origin, with the continental European population rising from 6.8 percent of the total in 1871 to 14.2 percent by 1921. This period also saw small communities of East Asian, South Asian, West Asian, and West African descent, broadening the multicultural makeup of the nation.

The Shift to a Global Mosaic: 1970s to Present

A profound transformation in Canada's ethnic origins began in the early 1970s with changes to immigration policy that removed preferences for European source countries. Since that time, the majority of immigrants have come from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This shift is clearly reflected in the 2021 census data, where the top immigrant source countries were all in Asia. The visible minority population has grown substantially as a result, increasing by 18.4 percent between 2011 and 2016 alone. In 1961, visible minorities constituted less than two percent of the population, a figure that reached almost one-quarter by 2021.

This demographic change is projected to continue. The 2020 General Social Survey found that 92 percent of adult Canadians considered ethnic diversity a Canadian value. Statistics Canada estimates that by 2041, racialized Canadians will comprise 40 percent of the population. The increasing diversity is also evident in the granularity of the census data, which in 2021 captured more than 450 ethnic and cultural origins, 200 places of birth, 100 religions, and 450 languages. The ongoing evolution underscores Canada's transition from a bicultural, largely European society to a global mosaic, a change that is reshaping cities, institutions, and the cultural landscape.

Indigenous Peoples in the Demographic Landscape

Indigenous peoples, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, are the original inhabitants of the land that is now Canada. In the 2021 census, 1.8 million people, or 5 percent of the total population, identified as Indigenous. This population grew by 9.4 percent from 2016 to 2021, a rate nearly double that of the non-Indigenous population. This growth is attributed to higher birth rates and an increasing tendency for people to identify their Indigenous ancestry on the census. The Indigenous population is also significantly younger than the non-Indigenous population on average.

While counted within the broader panethnic category of "North American Indigenous," which stood at 6.1 percent in 2021, the specific identities and histories of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities are distinct and foundational to Canada's history. Their demographic presence and rights are central to contemporary discussions on reconciliation, governance, and social policy. The census data on Indigenous origins contributes to understanding population distribution, growth trends, and the socio-economic conditions within these communities. It is important to note that the total Aboriginal figure includes Inuit, other Aboriginal, and mixed Aboriginal groups, all of which are accounted for in the overall statistics.

Methodology and Interpretation of Census Data

Statistics Canada collects data on ethnic origin through self-declaration on the census. The question asks for "the ethnic or cultural origins" of the respondent's ancestors, not necessarily the respondent's own identity. This approach means the data reflects perceived ancestry and cultural heritage, which may not align perfectly with genealogical records. Respondents can report multiple origins, and all reported origins are counted. For example, a person writing "French Canadian" is counted once in the "French" category and once in the "Canadian" category, contributing to the multiple-origin totals.

This methodology leads to a total that exceeds 100 percent, as seen in the 2021 results where 36 percent reported multiple origins. The subjective nature of the question means understanding can vary between respondents. The category "Canadian" as an ethnic origin has been notably prominent since the 1996 census, often ranking as the most common single or multiple response. Changes are planned for the 2026 Census of Population, with a fact sheet summarizing content adjustments specific to ethnic or cultural origins, among other topics, indicating an ongoing effort to refine how this complex social characteristic is measured. As with all self-reported data, the figures represent a snapshot of how Canadians choose to identify their ancestral backgrounds at a given moment in time.

Regional and Community Diversity

Canada's ethnic composition is not uniform across the country, with significant regional variations rooted in historical settlement patterns and contemporary immigration trends. The Prairie provinces, for instance, have long been noted for their diversity, a fact journalist Victoria Hayward described as a "cultural mosaic" in the 1920s, observing Eastern European influences in church architecture and community life. Today, major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are hubs of global diversity, home to large concentrations of recent immigrant communities and visible minorities. These cities often have visible minority populations that far exceed the national average of 26.5 percent.

Specific communities illustrate this depth. The Black population in Canada, for example, is itself highly diverse. A 2022 portrait noted that Canadian-born and African-born Black populations accounted for 73.6 percent of all Black people, with Black Canadians having birth origins in more than 180 countries. Similarly, the South Asian, Chinese, and Filipino communities each represent millions of people with diverse linguistic, religious, and cultural backgrounds within those broader categories. This internal diversity within panethnic groups underscores the complexity of Canadian society beyond broad statistical categories and highlights the importance of nuanced understanding in policy and community engagement.

Social Context and the Future of Diversity

The changing ethnic origins of Canadians have profound social, political, and economic implications. The high percentage of Canadians who view diversity as a core value suggests broad, though not universal, public support for this approach. However, the demographic shift also presents challenges related to integration, combating racism and discrimination, and ensuring equitable access to opportunity for all groups. The evolution from a population that was "older, mostly white" to one of increasing racial and ethnic diversity is a central narrative of contemporary Canada.

Looking forward, projections indicate that Canada will become even more diverse. The estimate that racialized people could make up 40 percent of the population by 2041 points to a future where the historical European majority becomes a smaller proportion of the whole. This ongoing evolution will continue to shape national identity, cultural expression, electoral politics, and policy priorities. The census remains the essential tool for tracking these changes, providing the data needed for informed public discourse and effective governance in a country defined by its pluralism. Content changes planned for the 2026 Census of Population will further refine how this diversity is captured and understood.

Questions about Ethnic origins of people in Canada

What is the largest ethnic origin in Canada?

According to the 2021 census, the largest single self-reported ethnic or cultural origin was "Canadian," reported by 15.6 percent of the population. This is followed by English (14.7 percent), Irish and Scottish (both 12.1 percent), and French (11.0 percent). It is important to note that many people report multiple origins, and the "Canadian" origin category reflects a complex mix of ancestry, national identity, and generational presence in the country. This trend of "Canadian" being a top response has been consistent since the 1996 census.

What percentage of Canada's population are immigrants?

In the 2021 census, 23.0 percent of the Canadian population reported being or having been a landed immigrant or permanent resident. This is the largest proportion since the 1921 census, which recorded 22.3 percent. The top source countries for immigrants in 2021 were India, China, and the Philippines, reflecting the shift away from European-dominated immigration that occurred prior to the 1970s. Since then, most new Canadians have come from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

How is data on ethnic origin collected in the Canadian census?

Data on ethnic origin is collected by self-declaration. The census question asks for "the ethnic or cultural origins" of the respondent's ancestors. Respondents can list multiple origins, and each is counted separately. This means the totals exceed 100 percent, as many people have mixed heritage. The method relies on personal and family identification, so it reflects perceived ancestry rather than strict genealogy, and understanding of the question may vary between individuals.

How has the visible minority population changed over time?

The visible minority population has grown dramatically. In 1961, it was less than two percent of Canada's population. By the 2021 census, 26.5 percent of the population belonged to a non-White and non-Indigenous visible minority group. Between 2011 and 2016 alone, this population rose by 18.4 percent. Statistics Canada projects that racialized Canadians could comprise 40 percent of the population by 2041, indicating a continued and significant demographic shift.

How fast is the Indigenous population growing?

The Indigenous population is growing faster than the non-Indigenous population. From 2016 to 2021, the Indigenous population grew by 9.4 percent, compared to 5.3 percent growth for the non-Indigenous population. In 2021, 1.8 million people, or 5 percent of Canada's total population, identified as Indigenous. This growth is attributed to both higher birth rates and more people choosing to identify their Indigenous origins on the census. The Indigenous population is a foundational part of Canada's demographic and historical landscape.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-10-21.