On October 31, 2016 the Government of Canada announced its 2017 Immigration Levels Plan. The Government established 300,000 as a baseline for permanent resident admissions. That is equal to the level sought in 2016, but represents an increase over the average of 259,542 permanent resident admissions from 2011 to 2015. The largest category consists of economic immigrants, with the 2017 target of 172,500 representing an overall increase of 7% over 2016 levels (i.e., 160,600). 'Immigrants with skills and experience are able to quickly contribute to the Canadian economy and society,' according to the Government, 'improving life for the middle class as they help create jobs, spur innovation and strengthen communities.' The leading sources of immigration into Canada are China, India, Italy, the Philippines, and the United Kingdom.