Maple News reports that Canada’s population soared to an estimated 40,528,396 as of October 1, 2023, marking an unprecedented growth surge fueled largely by international migration. According to new figures released by Statistics Canada, this represents an increase of 430,635 people — or 1.1% — since July 1. This is the fastest quarterly population growth the country has experienced since 1957.
The third quarter expansion builds on a trend seen throughout the year, bringing total population growth for 2023 to over one million people (1,030,378) in the first nine months alone. This follows a record-setting year in 2022, underscoring sustained momentum in Canada’s demographic shift.
A staggering 96% of the growth in Q3 was due to international migration, reaffirming Canada’s reliance on immigration as a dominant driver of population increase. Natural growth — births minus deaths — accounted for just 4%, reflecting the country’s aging population and low fertility rates. Experts suggest this trend will continue in the coming years, with natural growth playing an increasingly diminished role.
Between July and September 2023, Canada welcomed 107,972 new permanent residents, bringing the year-to-date immigration total to 371,299 — already 79.8% of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) ambitious 465,000 target for the year.
In addition to permanent immigration, the number of non-permanent residents in Canada also surged, with a historic net gain of 312,758 in Q3 — the highest quarterly rise since data tracking began in 1971. This surge was primarily driven by increases in international students and foreign workers, along with a smaller but notable rise in refugee claimants.
The growth isn’t limited to national figures. All provinces and territories, except the Northwest Territories, saw population gains in Q3. Alberta led with a growth rate of 1.3%, followed closely by Prince Edward Island and Ontario, both at 1.2% — surpassing the national average. Alberta also posted a net gain of 17,094 people through interprovincial migration, its fifth straight quarter of such gains, a sign of the province’s growing domestic appeal.
As Canada continues to rely on international migration to fuel its economic and demographic growth, the implications span across housing, infrastructure, labor markets, and public services. Maple News will continue to monitor how this evolving trend shapes the country’s future.