On This Page You Will Find
- Canada’s latest population figures
- Why the population declined in early 2026
- The impact of lower permanent immigration levels
- The role of non-permanent residents
- What negative natural increase means
- Why the figures may change later in 2026
- Frequently asked questions
Canada’s population declined in the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant shift after years of rapid growth driven largely by immigration.
Statistics Canada estimates the country’s population stood at 41,417,056 on April 1, 2026, down by 55,025 people, or 0.1 per cent, from January 1. While the figures remain preliminary and could be revised later this year, they reflect the impact of lower immigration targets and a reduction in the number of non-permanent residents.
The decline comes as Canada implements immigration levels designed to slow population growth and reduce pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services.
Population Drops By More Than 55,000 People
According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s population fell by an estimated 55,025 people during the first quarter of 2026.
The decline represents a reversal from the strong population growth seen over recent years, when record levels of immigration and temporary migration drove rapid increases in the country’s population.
However, Statistics Canada cautioned that the figures remain preliminary. The agency will update the estimates in September 2026 when more complete administrative data becomes available.
As a result, the final figures could show a smaller decline, a larger decline or even a return to population growth.
Permanent Immigration Slows In Line With Lower Targets
Canada welcomed 83,149 permanent immigrants during the first quarter of 2026.
That figure was 20.2 per cent lower than the 104,210 permanent residents admitted during the same period in 2025.
The decline aligns with the federal government’s decision to reduce permanent resident admissions under the Immigration Levels Plan announced in late 2024.
Under the current plan, Canada aims to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026, down from previous targets that had exceeded 500,000 annually.
The lower admission levels are part of a broader strategy designed to moderate population growth while addressing housing affordability and infrastructure challenges.
Non-Permanent Resident Numbers Continue To Fall
The biggest contributor to the population decline was a reduction in the number of non-permanent residents.
Statistics Canada estimates that the non-permanent resident population decreased by 117,879 people during the first quarter of 2026.
Non-permanent residents include:
The federal government has introduced a range of measures over the past two years aimed at reducing the share of temporary residents in Canada’s population.
These measures include caps on international student permits, tighter eligibility requirements for some work permits and lower temporary resident targets.
Canada Records Negative Natural Increase
For the first quarter of 2026, Canada experienced a negative natural increase.
Natural increase measures the difference between births and deaths.
Statistics Canada reported there were 155 more deaths than births during the quarter.
By comparison, natural increase was positive in the first quarter of 2025, when births exceeded deaths by 983 people.
A negative natural increase is not unusual during the winter months because birth rates tend to be lower while mortality rates generally increase during colder weather.
Canada also recorded negative natural increase during the first quarters of both 2022 and 2023.
However, the figures also highlight the growing role immigration plays in sustaining Canada’s population growth.
Without immigration, Canada’s aging population means natural population growth is increasingly limited.
Immigration Remains Canada’s Main Source Of Population Growth
The latest figures reinforce a trend that has become increasingly important over the past two decades.
Immigration now accounts for the overwhelming majority of Canada’s population growth.
Birth rates have remained below replacement levels for many years, while the country’s population continues to age.
As a result, permanent immigration and temporary migration have become the primary drivers of labour force growth and overall population increases.
The latest decline shows how quickly population growth can slow when immigration levels are reduced and temporary resident numbers fall simultaneously.
Why Future Revisions Could Change The Picture
Statistics Canada has indicated that larger-than-normal revisions may occur when updated figures are released later this year.
The agency noted that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has recently granted increasing numbers of permit extensions while processing times have also lengthened.
This means some non-permanent residents who remain in Canada may not yet be fully reflected in the preliminary estimates.
If additional permit holders are included in future updates, the decline in Canada’s population could be smaller than currently reported.
What It Means For Immigration
The population decline does not signal an end to immigration as a key component of Canada’s economic strategy.
Canada continues to face long-term labour shortages, an aging workforce and demographic pressures that require ongoing immigration.
However, the latest figures demonstrate the immediate impact of the government’s efforts to slow population growth through lower permanent resident targets and tighter controls on temporary migration.
The coming quarters will provide a clearer indication of whether the population decline represents a short-term adjustment or the beginning of a longer period of slower growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Canada’s population decline in the first quarter of 2026?
Canada’s population fell because lower immigration levels and a decline in non-permanent residents outweighed population gains. The country welcomed fewer permanent residents than a year earlier and recorded a significant reduction in temporary residents, resulting in an overall population decrease of 55,025 people.
How many permanent immigrants came to Canada in early 2026?
Canada admitted 83,149 permanent residents during the first quarter of 2026. This was down 20.2 per cent from the same period in 2025 and reflects the federal government’s reduced immigration targets under its current Immigration Levels Plan.
What are non-permanent residents?
Non-permanent residents include international students, temporary foreign workers, permit holders and some asylum claimants. They contribute significantly to Canada’s labour force and population growth but do not have permanent resident status. Statistics Canada estimated their numbers fell by nearly 118,000 during the quarter.
What does negative natural increase mean?
Negative natural increase occurs when deaths exceed births. Canada recorded 155 more deaths than births during the first quarter of 2026. While this is common during winter months, it also highlights Canada’s growing reliance on immigration to support population growth.
Could the population figures change later?
Yes. Statistics Canada considers the current estimates preliminary. Updated figures will be released in September 2026 using more complete administrative data. The final numbers could show a smaller decline, a larger decline or potentially a return to population growth.