Explained: Why Canada’s Population Growth Has Slumped To Almost Zero | World News
According to Canada, Canada’s population had estimated 41.65 million as of July 1, 2025. In addition to the influenced period with its pandem in 2020, it represents the second most slow growth since registrations in 1946.
This modest increase follows the rapid immigration-led expansion period, including over 3% growth growth in 2023-24.
Decrease in temporary residents slows down
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The main reason behind the current stagnation is a significant decrease in non -permanent inhabitants (NPRS).
Between April and June, Canada, 58,719 temporarily calmly pointed out the third three -month decline. The number of NPR decreased from 7.6% in October 2024 to 3.02 million equivalent to 7.3% of the total population.
A fault shows a decrease of 32,025 work permit and 19.637 work permit holders. On the other hand, asylum plaintiffs and protected persons increased by 17,901 and continued the 14 quarter growth series. The number has now reached 497,443 with the most important increases in Ontario and Quebec.
Migration continues to be the main driving force of growth
Despite a wider slowdown, migration made the greatest contribution to population growth. In the second quarter, 103,507, which made up more than 70% of total growth, was considered a new permanent calm. This is consistent with the Federal Government’s 2025-27 immigration level plan. Natural increase, births minus deaths, 13,404 people added.
Looking at my tendency for years, growth has slowed down significantly. From July 2024 to July 2025, the Canadian population increased from 1.21 million ( +3%) to 389,324 people or +0.9%of the previous year. Most of this slowdown is linked to policy changes introduced in 2024, including more strict controls on international student registration and work permits, which are part of the efforts to reduce temporary migration.
Regional trends showed mixed results. Prince Edward Island, +0.8% growth, with Alberta with +0.4% directed. On the other hand, British Columbia said a rare population decrease by 2,154 people. Arthrchure Migration also played a role, while Alberta Net 6,187, while Ontario experienced a clear loss of 6,154, a 15th three -month -old decline.
Aging population increases concerns
Meanwhile, Canada’s population continues to age. The average age rose from 40.3 to 40.6 years in the previous year. The elderly (65+) now account for 19.5% of the population. Newfoundland and Labrador stand out with one of four people over 65 years of age, which gave the country’s oldest demographic profile.
Economist Armine Solo warns Canada that he has lar that he has less people and older adults that require less people and elderly adults on the way to having the smallest working age for decades.
The slowdown has economic consequences. Canadian Bank Governor Tiff Macklem said that the weak population growth with a soft labor market could suppress the people’s expenditures of households, an important pillar of an economy contracting in the last quarter.
When we look forward, Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to explain the new immigration targets on November 1 and to balance public concerns with the need to support housing, infrastructure and long -term economic flexibility.
