Canada experienced a decline in its population by approximately 55,000 individuals in the initial quarter of this year, as per the latest data released by Statistics Canada. The estimated population as of April 1 stood at 41,417,056, marking a 0.1% decrease attributed to lower immigration rates and a decrease in births compared to deaths, as reported by the agency.
Comparing the first quarter of this year to the same period in 2025, there was a reduction of about 20% in the number of permanent immigrants entering Canada, dropping from 104,210 to 83,149. Additionally, the count of non-permanent residents decreased by over 117,000; however, Statistics Canada noted the potential for updates to these figures due to evolving international migration policies.
The natural population increase, where births surpass deaths, turned into a decrease with 155 more deaths than births throughout the country in the first quarter. These demographic shifts have impacted Canada’s economic performance, with indicators showing a struggling economy recently.
Experts like Stéfane Marion, the chief economist at the National Bank of Canada, attribute the economic challenges partially to the population decline. Marion emphasized that adjusting economic signals for population changes reveals a less severe economic outlook. The decrease in the immigrant population size has led to a reduction in the overall economic pie, although per-person shares may have increased.
The decline in permanent immigrants aligns with the federal government’s revised immigration targets. Economists caution that future economic growth strategies may need to extend beyond increasing immigration levels. They stress the importance of collective efforts to enhance economic productivity and address challenges arising from declining international student numbers.
Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia experienced a more substantial drop in temporary residents compared to permanent immigrants, unlike Alberta, which continues to show population growth. Alberta’s population expansion, fueled by interprovincial migration and a positive natural increase, stands out among the larger provinces.
In conclusion, the shifting population dynamics, particularly in terms of immigration and birth rates, are influencing Canada’s economic landscape, prompting discussions on the need for diverse strategies to sustain economic growth amidst changing demographic patterns.