Canada did not see historic population decline last year, StatsCan says after second look

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-28 19:58:24.0
Tags: [National, Immigration, Economy, Governance]

Statistics Canada revised its 2025 population estimates, showing a national population increase of 280,810 people rather than the previously reported historic net decline. The updated administrative data reflects a significant slowdown in population growth driven by federal cutbacks to both permanent and temporary immigration under the administration of Prime Minister Mark Carney. Under current targets set in the federal budget, Canada aims to admit 385,000 temporary residents in 2026—representing a 43 percent reduction from 2025 levels—and cap new permanent residents at 380,000 annually between 2026 and 2028.