Canada's Population Growth Slows to Lowest Rate in Over a Century
Statistics Canada reports that the country's population reached 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026, growing by just 0.5% annually—the lowest percentage increase since 1915/1916—driven by declining international migration and a drop in non-permanent residents.
Statistics Canada released preliminary population estimates for the second quarter of 2026 on September 23, 2026, revealing that Canada's population reached an estimated 41,798,407 people on July 1, 2026. This represents an annual increase of 189,425 people, or +0.5%, from July 1, 2025. The annual growth rate is the lowest in percentage terms since 1915/1916 and the lowest in absolute numbers since 1944/1945.
Between April 1, 2026, and July 1, 2026, the population increased by 80,343 people (+0.2%), marking the lowest second-quarter growth since Q2 2020. Population growth has slowed significantly compared to peak rates recorded in 2023/2024.
The deceleration is closely tied to decreasing international migration levels. The number of non-permanent residents dropped by 154,614 on an annual basis, reaching 2,779,774 on July 1, 2026. Non-permanent residents accounted for 6.7% of the total population, down from a high of 7.2% on October 1, 2024. Additionally, new permanent immigrants welcomed to Canada decreased to 368,224 in 2025/2026, falling below 400,000 for the first time since 2021/2022. In the second quarter alone, 99,148 new immigrants arrived.
Provincial and territorial growth varied widely. Alberta recorded the fastest population growth rate among provinces at +1.5% from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2026. Provinces with lower reliance on international migration, such as those in Atlantic Canada, experienced faster relative growth than major hubs. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia all grew slower than the national average, posting rates of +0.3%, +0.2%, and +0.1%, respectively. The Northwest Territories was the only province or territory to see a population decrease during this period, dropping by 127 people (-0.3%).
Demographic shifts reflect the changing migration patterns. The median age of Canada's population was 40.9 years, and the average age was 42.1 years on July 1, 2026. The aging trend of the Canadian population has resumed after a period of stabilization caused by high immigration levels. The 20-to-24 and 25-to-29 age groups saw the largest decreases, dropping by 63,838 and 91,135 people, respectively. The decline in non-permanent residents, particularly study permit holders, contributed to this decrease in the young adult population.
To produce these figures, Statistics Canada applied two new adjustments to non-permanent resident estimates using Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) entry and exit data, as well as permit extension processing times. Demographic estimates up to and including the second quarter of 2023 are now considered final.