Canada's Population Growth Slows to Lowest Level in Over 80 Years
Statistics Canada reports that annual population growth fell to 0.5% between July 2025 and July 2026, the lowest rate since 1915-1916, driven by reduced immigration and a sharp decline in non-permanent residents.
Canada’s annual population growth has slowed to its lowest level in more than 80 years, according to new data from Statistics Canada. Between July 2025 and July 2026, the country added 189,425 people, representing a growth rate of 0.5%. This is the slowest expansion since the 0.3% increase recorded during the 1915-1916 period.
As of July 1, 2026, Canada’s total population is estimated at approximately 41.8 million. The agency attributes the rapid changes in population growth since 2020 almost entirely to shifts in international migration. A significant factor in the recent slowdown was a substantial decrease in the number of non-permanent residents, which dropped by 154,614 people to reach a total of 2.77 million. This decline marks the largest annual drop for this demographic group since comparable records began in 1971/1972.
Non-permanent residents now constitute about 6.7% of the total population, down from higher levels observed between 2022 and 2024. The reductions were most pronounced among study permit holders, who decreased by 140,827, and those holding both work and study permits, who fell by 81,163. Consequently, the population aged in their 20s dropped by 154,973 people, a 2.8% decline consistent with the reduction in international students.
Permanent immigration also saw changes across the country. It decreased in all provinces and in Yukon, while increasing in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
In addition to the current figures, Statistics Canada revised its previous estimates for the period between January 1 and April 1, 2026. The initial estimate of a decline of about 55,000 people was adjusted to an increase of about 1,300 people. This revision resulted from adjustments for an increase in permit extensions and longer processing times for these applications.
The data also highlights an aging population. Canada’s median age is now 40.9 years, with an average age of 42.1 years. These demographic trends are impacting various sectors, including housing markets and consumer spending, and may weigh on short-term potential economic growth.