Canada’s Population Growth Hits Four-Year Low as Non-Permanent Residents Decline: StatsCan

Canada’s population reached 41,528,680 as of January 1, 2025, marking a slowdown in growth to levels not seen since the pandemic era, according to new data from Statistics Canada.

The country’s population increased by 63,382 people compared to October 1, 2024, reflecting a quarterly growth rate of 0.2%. This is the slowest pace of expansion since the fourth quarter of 2020, when strict border restrictions due to COVID-19 curbed immigration.

The report highlights a notable shift in non-permanent resident (NPR) trends. For the first time since late 2021, the number of NPRs in Canada declined, dropping by 28,341 over the last quarter. This reversal comes after several years of continuous increases driven by temporary immigration programs and international student admissions.

Despite the recent slowdown, Canada’s population grew by 1.8% in 2024, adding 744,324 people over the year. While still significant, the deceleration suggests a cooling trend following the peak growth seen in the third quarter of 2023.

Experts attribute the decline in NPRs to policy changes affecting temporary residency and international student quotas, alongside stricter visa regulations. As Canada grapples with a housing crisis and rising living costs, policymakers are closely monitoring immigration patterns, which have been a key driver of population growth.