Canada’s population growth continues its decline, StatCan says

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-09-23 18:08:42.0
Tags: [National, Immigration, Economy, Seniors]

According to Statistics Canada, Canada's total population growth continued to decline, reaching an estimated 41,798,407 people on July 1, 2026, representing an annual increase of 189,425 people or 0.5 percent—the lowest July-to-July percentage increase since 1915/1916. The slowdown is primarily driven by changing international migration trends, including a decrease of 154,614 non-permanent residents led by sharp declines in study permit holders and work-and-study permit holders. Additionally, the fertility rate remained unchanged at 1.26 children per woman in 2025, while the average age of Canadians rose to 42.1 years with seniors over 65 now accounting for 20 percent of the population.