Canada is at a demographic crossroads. New data from Statistics Canada shows that population growth in the second quarter of 2025 slowed to just 0.1%—one of the lowest peacetime growth rates in modern Canadian history. This steep decline, Maple News reports, is linked directly to federal policy decisions to reduce temporary immigration, particularly among international students and temporary foreign workers.
As of July 1, 2025, Canada’s population stood at approximately 41.65 million, reflecting an increase of only 47,098 people over the quarter. This contrasts sharply with the same period in 2024, when the country added over 272,000 residents. The drop coincides with aggressive federal efforts to limit the number of non-permanent residents (NPRs), dramatically curtailing the country’s short-term population inflows.
International migration remains a key driver of population growth, but its contribution is waning. In Q2 2025, international migration accounted for just 71.5% of the net increase—down from 95.3% the year prior. Natural population growth added just 13,404 people, highlighting Canada’s low birth rate and aging demographic profile. Over the 12 months ending July 1, 2025, Canada’s annual population growth rate fell to 0.9%, down from 3.0% during the previous year.
The contraction in population growth is closely tied to a steep fall in temporary immigration. Between April and July 2025, Canada experienced a net loss of nearly 59,000 non-permanent residents—the second-largest dip on record. This decline included more than 32,000 fewer study permit holders and nearly 20,000 fewer work permit holders. The impacts are immediate: fewer young workers are entering the labour market, putting pressure on economic productivity and long-term sustainability.
Meanwhile, signs of a rapidly aging population are becoming more pronounced. Both the median and average ages of Canadians rose over the past year to 40.6 and 41.8 years, respectively. Seniors now comprise 19.5% of the population, totaling 8.1 million people. In contrast, the number of children under 15 has stagnated. The core working-age population (15–64) grew by just 0.4% year-over-year—down from 3.2% in 2024—introducing mounting concerns over labour shortages.
Regionally, Alberta and Prince Edward Island recorded the strongest population growth in Q2 2025, buoyed by both international arrivals and strong interprovincial gains. Alberta, in particular, attracted more domestic migrants than any other province. Conversely, British Columbia experienced a rare population decline, losing over 2,000 residents overall despite a solid intake of new immigrants. Net losses in non-permanent residents and rising out-migration contributed to the province’s dip.
Ontario continued to see people moving out for the 15th consecutive quarter, with more than 6,000 residents relocating to other provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador, meanwhile, became the oldest province in Canada, with seniors now making up more than 25% of its population. On the other end of the spectrum, Nunavut remains the youngest region in the country, with a median age of just 27.1 years.
According to experts, immigration remains Canada’s most powerful lever for economic and demographic stability. However, the current slowdown in temporary migration reveals just how quickly population dynamics can shift. Unless immigration targets are recalibrated toward younger, long-term residents, Canada faces a tightening labour supply—placing pressure on everything from pensions to healthcare.
Maple News will continue to monitor federal policy responses as the government weighs economic competitiveness against immigration reform. As the country grapples with structural demographic changes, thoughtful immigration planning will be critical to Canada’s future growth and vitality.