Canada’s population barely grew in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the impacts of government decisions to reduce both temporary and permanent immigration. The latest estimates from Statistics Canada show the population rose by just 20,107 people – or 0.0 percent – between January 1 and April 1, 2025. This is the slowest quarterly increase since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues a clear trend of declining population growth.
On This Page, You Will Find:
- A summary of Canada’s latest population estimates
- The impact of reduced immigration levels in 2025
- Provincial winners and losers in population change
- Shifts in non-permanent resident numbers
- Details on interprovincial migration patterns
Canada Sees Smallest Population Growth in Nearly Five Years
The first quarter of 2025 saw Canada’s population rise to 41,548,787 – an increase of just 0.0 percent. This marked the sixth consecutive quarter of slowing growth, and only the second time since 1946 that a quarterly increase has been this low. The only slower period was the third quarter of 2020, when population actually fell due to pandemic-related border closures.
This lack of growth comes in the wake of federal announcements in 2024 to scale back both permanent and temporary immigration. While immigration still accounted for all population growth in Q1 2025, natural increase (births minus deaths) was negative. Canada recorded 5,628 more deaths than births – a result of an aging population, lower fertility, and typical winter mortality rates.
Declines in Key Provinces
Four provinces and one territory experienced a net population decline during the first quarter:
- Ontario (–5,664)
- British Columbia (–2,357)
- Quebec (–1,013)
- Newfoundland and Labrador (–115)
- Yukon (–15)
For Ontario and B.C., these were their largest quarterly losses on record, despite being relatively small in percentage terms. Historically, these two provinces rarely post population declines, making this trend notable.
Where Population Still Grew
Some provinces and territories continued to see growth, led by:
- Alberta (+20,562)
- Prince Edward Island (+749)
- Northwest Territories (+168)
- Nunavut (+158)
Each of these regions saw growth of 0.4 percent, the highest in the country. Alberta’s growth was particularly driven by interprovincial migration, as more people continue to move there from other provinces.
Non-Permanent Residents Decline Sharply
A significant driver of the recent trend is the falling number of non-permanent residents (NPRs). Between January and April 2025, Canada’s NPR population declined by 61,111 – the largest drop since the pandemic-era restrictions of 2020.
On April 1, 2025, there were 2,959,825 non-permanent residents, or 7.1 percent of the total population – down from 7.4 percent in late 2024.
The biggest reductions came from individuals holding only a study permit (–53,669). Most of this drop occurred in Ontario (–30,160) and British Columbia (–11,742), the provinces with the largest international student populations.
The number of work permit holders fell slightly to 1,453,481. In contrast, the number of asylum claimants and protected persons continued rising, reaching a record 470,029 – an increase of 12,744 over the quarter.
Every province and Yukon saw fewer non-permanent residents, except for small increases in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Fewer Immigrants Admitted in Early 2025
Canada admitted 104,256 permanent residents in Q1 2025. While this is still historically high, it is the smallest first-quarter figure since 2021 and reflects the lower immigration targets set for 2025.
Before 2022, Canada had never welcomed more than 86,000 immigrants in any first quarter. While the numbers remain strong, the slowdown is part of a broader trend toward tightening immigration to match housing and infrastructure capacity.
Only three regions – Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut – admitted more immigrants in Q1 2025 than the same quarter in 2024.
Alberta Leads Interprovincial Migration Gains
There were fewer interprovincial migrants in Q1 2025 than in the previous three years – just 81,231 people moved between provinces or territories. Still, Alberta posted its 11th consecutive quarterly net gain in interprovincial migration, adding 7,176 people from elsewhere in Canada.
Manitoba saw a small gain (+106) for the first time since 2004, while Saskatchewan had its smallest quarterly net loss in over a decade (–152).
FAQ
Why did Canada’s population growth stall in Q1 2025?
Population growth slowed due to reduced immigration levels and a drop in the number of non-permanent residents. Natural population increase was also negative, with more deaths than births.
Which provinces saw a population decline?
Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon all saw slight declines. Ontario and B.C. recorded their largest quarterly population losses since records began.
What is driving the decline in non-permanent residents?
The biggest drop came from study permit holders, especially in Ontario and British Columbia. Seasonal patterns, policy changes, and fewer new arrivals contributed to the fall.
How many immigrants did Canada admit in early 2025?
Canada admitted 104,256 permanent residents in Q1 2025. While still high, this is the lowest number for a first quarter in four years, reflecting reduced targets.
Is Alberta still attracting people from other provinces?
Yes. Alberta gained over 7,000 interprovincial migrants in Q1 2025, marking its 11th straight quarter of population growth from domestic migration.
