"After reaching 3,149,131 on Oct. 1, 2024, the number of non-permanent residents living in Canada steadily decreased to 2,676,441 on Jan. 1, 2026. Non-permanent residents include people holding work or study permits as well as asylum claimants and any family members living with them."
"This preliminary estimate said a reduction in the number of non-permanent residents was the 'leading factor in slowing population growth.' Even though the population increased by just over 77,000 people in the first six months of last year, it wasn't enough to outweigh the decline of almost 180,000 in the second half of 2025."
"As a result, the population decrease noted today could be smaller or greater or even turn into an increase when the estimates are updated in a few months, after more complete and accurate administrative data become available. StatsCan said this preliminary estimate 'should be interpreted with caution' because work and study permit extensions could 'lead to larger than usual updates' in the coming months."
Canada experienced its first population decline since Confederation in 2025, with the population dropping by 102,000 residents to 41,472,081 on January 1, 2026. While the first half of 2025 saw a gain of 77,000 people, the second half experienced a decline of nearly 180,000, resulting in an overall 0.2 percent decrease. The primary driver was a significant reduction in non-permanent residents, which fell from 3,149,131 on October 1, 2024, to 2,676,441 by January 1, 2026. Non-permanent residents include work permit holders, study permit holders, asylum claimants, and their family members. Statistics Canada cautioned that this preliminary estimate should be interpreted carefully, as pending work and study permit extensions could substantially alter the final figures when updated with more complete data.
#canadian-population-decline #non-permanent-residents #immigration-policy #demographic-statistics #population-growth
Read at www.cbc.ca
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