Summary
Canada's population decreased by over 76,000 from July to October 2025 because of reduced immigration. The government is limiting temporary residents to better balance the ability to support new arrivals with current needs. This marks a significant change, as Canada previously relied heavily on immigration for population growth.
Key Facts
- Canada's population fell by 76,068 between July and October 2025.
- The decline is due to restrictions on immigration, focusing on temporary residents.
- By 2027, Canada plans to limit temporary residents to 5% of its population.
- The population previously grew by over 1 million in 2022, largely from immigration.
- The shift aims to ease housing costs and reduce stress on social services.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney has reduced new temporary resident targets from 673,650 to 385,000 next year.
- Statistics Canada recorded this as the largest quarterly population drop since records began in 1971.
- Ontario and British Columbia experienced the largest population decreases, while Alberta and Nunavut saw growth.
