HIV infections in Canada are growing exponentially, with over half coming in from outside of the country.

According to Alberta Health Services, approximately 55% of the HIV cases identified in 2023 were acquired outside of Canada. This represents an increase of 12 percentage points from 2022.

Calgary physician Dr. Caley Shukalek says HIV clinics are “busting at the seams” and that there aren’t enough doctors who are experienced or interested in working in them.

Transmission between heterosexual individuals has surpassed transmission between LGBT individuals, and there’s also been an increase in transmission among drug addicts who share needles.

“And we’re seeing an increase of cases acquired outside the country,” she said.

For 2024, the figures are not yet finalized, but the number is expected to align with those from 2023.

In 2022, Canada took in more newcomers than ever before, with 431,645 new permanent residents. The year prior, Canada also set a record, with 401,000 newcomers. These figures were aligned with their stated targets, and represented an increase from pre-pandemic levels. 

In 2023, the Liberals took in 471,550 new permanent residents, which was also aligned with their target of packing in between 410,000 and 505,000.