Canada’s population growth at 0.0% so far this year: StatsCan

Canada’s Population Growth Stalled in First Quarter of 2025

Statistics Canada recently reported that the country’s population growth came to a halt in the first quarter of 2025. According to the agency, the Canadian population increased by only 20,107 people from January 1 to April 1, marking the smallest increase since the third quarter of 2020 when the population actually decreased by 1,232 people.

The latest data reveals that Canada now has a population of 41,548,787 individuals. The minimal increase in population resulted in a growth rate of 0.0 per cent, making it the second-slowest quarterly growth rate in Canada since comparable records began in the first quarter of 1946. This quarter tied with the fourth quarter of 2014 for the slowest population growth.

It is important to note that this marks the sixth consecutive quarter of slower population growth following a decision by the federal government in 2024 to reduce levels of both temporary and permanent immigration. Despite the slowdown in population growth, immigration continues to be the primary driver of population increase as there were 5,628 more deaths than births in Canada during this period.

Immigration Continues to Drive Population Growth

During the first quarter of 2025, Canada welcomed 104,256 immigrants, while net emigration totaled 17,410 individuals. Immigration accounted for all of the population growth in the quarter, as the country experienced a decline in non-permanent residents, with a decrease of 61,111 individuals.

While the rate of population growth has slowed, Statistics Canada emphasized that immigration levels remain high, albeit lower compared to previous years. The agency highlighted that this was the smallest number of immigrants admitted during a first quarter in four years.

In a statement released in October, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada outlined its 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan, which included targets for international students and temporary foreign workers for the first time. The federal government acknowledged the need to align temporary and permanent resident immigration levels with community capacity as the country transitions away from post-pandemic measures.