Canada’s Population Growth Slows to Lowest Levels in Decades
Statistics Canada reports that annual population growth fell to 0.5% between July 2025 and July 2026, driven by a sharp decline in non-permanent residents.
Canada’s population growth has slowed significantly, with Statistics Canada reporting an increase of just 189,425 people between July 2025 and July 2026. This represents a 0.5% growth rate, bringing the estimated total population to approximately 41.8 million as of July 1, 2026.
This period marks the lowest July-to-July growth in total population size since 1944/1945 and the lowest percentage increase since 1915/1916. The slowdown is primarily attributed to a significant drop in the number of non-permanent residents, which decreased by 154,614 people to reach 2.77 million, or 6.7% of the total population.
The largest declines among non-permanent residents were seen in study permit holders, who dropped by 140,827, and work-and-study permit holders, who decreased by 81,163. Consequently, permanent immigration levels fell in all provinces except the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Regional disparities in growth were also evident. Alberta recorded the fastest population growth at 1.5%, while British Columbia saw the slowest growth at 0.1%. The Northwest Territories experienced a population decline of 0.3%.
In the second quarter of 2026 (April 1 to July 1), the population increased by 80,343 people, or 0.2%, which is the lowest Q2 growth since 2020. Additionally, Statistics Canada revised its previous estimate for the January 1 to April 1 period from a decline of 55,000 people to an increase of about 1,300 people due to adjustments for permit extensions.
Demographic shifts continue to impact the country's age structure. The median age of the Canadian population is now 40.9 years, with an average age of 42.1 years. Canadians over the age of 65 now make up 20% of the population, while those aged 0 to 14 constitute 15%. In 2025, there were 372,521 babies born in Canada, a 1.6% increase compared to 2024, though the fertility rate remained unchanged at 1.26 children per woman.
Economic analysts note that slowing population growth is impacting housing markets and consumer spending trends, weighing on short-term potential economic growth. The decline in young adults in their 20s aligns with the reduction in international students.