A dynamic general equilibrium analysis of migration and capital formation: the case of Canada

A dynamic general equilibrium model is constructed to examine the impact of mass immigration on capital accumulation in life-cycle economies. The model is calibrated to match Canadian demographic characteristics over 1861-1913. This was a period when Canada experienced a dramatic shift in migration patterns, with increasing immigration flows, and a surge in domestic savings and capital inflows. Model results suggest that up to three-quarters of the increase in the capital formation rate and the foreign capital inflow rate, and all of the increase in the domestic savings rate, in the Canadian economy over 1899-1911, can be attributed to the dramatic inflow of migrants over this period. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.