Canada’s population growth stagnated in the first quarter of 2025, as federal measures to limit both temporary and permanent immigration took effect. According to new estimates from Statistics Canada, the nation’s population increased by just 20,107 people—effectively 0.0% growth—between January and April, marking the weakest quarter since the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, this is only the second time since 1946 that Canada has recorded such a minimal quarterly gain.
Maple News reports that while immigration solely accounted for the modest growth, natural population increase fell into negative territory. During Q1 2025, there were 5,628 more deaths than births, highlighting ongoing demographic challenges such as an aging population, lower birth rates, and seasonal factors like winter mortality.
The most significant contributor to the overall slowdown was a sharp drop in non-permanent residents (NPRs), particularly international students. Canada’s NPR population shrank by 61,111 individuals—a decline not seen since 2020’s pandemic restrictions. Most of the reductions came from study permit holders, especially in Ontario and British Columbia, which host the largest student populations. As of April 1, NPRs made up 7.1% of the total population, down from 7.4% at the end of 2024.
In terms of geography, population losses were recorded in five regions: Ontario (-5,664), British Columbia (-2,357), Quebec (-1,013), Newfoundland and Labrador (-115), and Yukon (-15). For Ontario and B.C., these represent record quarterly population declines, pointing to a significant shift in typical migration patterns.
Conversely, growth was concentrated in Alberta (+20,562), which continues to benefit from strong interprovincial migration. Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut also posted modest gains of 0.4%, leading the country in percentage growth. Alberta’s growing economic opportunities and relatively lower cost of living remain key pull factors.
Canada admitted 104,256 new permanent residents in Q1 2025—a high figure by historical standards, but the lowest first-quarter number since 2021. The slowdown reflects Ottawa’s effort to align immigration levels with broader housing and infrastructure capacities, as announced in 2024. Only Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut welcomed more immigrants than they did in Q1 2024.
Interprovincial migration slowed as well, with 81,231 people relocating within Canada during the quarter—the lowest since 2020. Alberta was once again the top destination, seeing a net gain of 7,176 migrants and marking its 11th consecutive quarter of positive net interprovincial migration. Manitoba also posted a gain for the first time in over 20 years, while Saskatchewan’s population loss was its smallest in more than a decade.
Overall, with both international and domestic migratory trends shifting, Canada is navigating a new era in demographic dynamics—one where economic, policy, and regional disparities play increasingly significant roles in shaping who comes, who stays, and who moves within the country.
Maple News will continue to monitor how these changes affect Canada’s immigration landscape and long-term population growth.