Immigrants’ contribution to the transportation sector
- Share:
Canada’s transportation sector employs more than 800,000 workers, and more will be needed as the Canadian economy grows. More than 1 in 4 of these employees are over 55 years old, with the majority expected to retire within the next 10 years. The transportation sector encompasses a network of companies and people that help make sure Canadians have access to essentials like food and medication. It also includes crucial services like public transit, air transportation and rail transportation. As the need for employees in this sector grows, immigrants can contribute significantly to keeping this network stable so it continues to deliver essential products and services across Canada.
Impact of immigration
- Immigrants account for nearly 34% of all transportation sector workers.
- Of all self-employed workers in the transportation sector, 58% are immigrants.
- Immigrants make up 56% of truck transportation business owners (self-employed persons with paid staff).
- In Canada, the immigrant share of workers is
- 43% in transit and ground passenger transportation
- 35% in truck transportation
- 26% in postal service
- 25% in air transportation
- 18% in rail transportation
Unless otherwise noted, all statistics are from the Statistics Canada 2021 Census.
Percentage of workers in the transportation sector who are immigrants
Text version: Percentage of workers in the transportation sector who are immigrants
- 43% in transit and ground passenger transportation
- 35% in truck transportation
- 26% in postal service
- 25% in air transportation
- 18% in rail transportation
Some notable Canadian immigrants
Ajay Virmani
Ajay Virmani is originally from India and is the President and CEO of Cargojet, the largest cargo airline in Canada. Cargojet provides cargo services domestically and internationally and employs over 800 people. Cargojet was named one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Companies in 2005, and Virmani received the RBC Entrepreneur Award in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cargojet dedicated multiple flights to the delivery of personal protection equipment for health care workers in Canada.
Jim Jiwani
Jim Jiwani, originally from Uganda, has made significant contributions to the automotive industry in Canada. He owns multiple car dealerships in Alberta and in Ontario, including one in the West Edmonton Mall, Canada’s largest shopping centre. In 2024, following a generous donation from Mr. Jiwani, the Jim Jiwani Autism Academy, Alberta’s first school for children with autism, was opened. His journey exemplifies resilience and the impact of immigrant contributions to the Canadian economy.