On this page you will find
- Why Quebec’s population declined in 2025
- How temporary immigration changed in Quebec
- What the latest fertility figures show
- Why deaths exceeded births again
- How interprovincial migration affected Quebec
- What the numbers mean for immigration policy
- FAQ on Quebec’s 2025 demographic report
Quebec’s population declined slightly in 2025 after years of exceptional growth driven by immigration, according to new figures published by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
The province’s population was estimated at 9.03 million people on January 1, 2026, down by approximately 9,600 people compared to the previous year.
The figures highlight the growing impact of Canada’s efforts to reduce temporary immigration levels after a rapid surge in population growth between 2022 and 2024.
The report also underlines Quebec’s deeper demographic challenges, with deaths once again exceeding births and international migration generating almost no net population growth in 2025.
Temporary Immigration Falls Sharply
The most significant shift came from a reduction in temporary residents.
The number of non-permanent residents living in Quebec fell by 51,400 over the course of 2025, according to provisional estimates.
Quebec had approximately 514,050 non-permanent residents on January 1, 2026, compared to 565,450 a year earlier.
The decline follows several years of historically high temporary immigration levels driven by international students, temporary foreign workers and asylum claimants.
A similar reduction in temporary immigration was also recorded across the rest of Canada.
The figures come as both Quebec and the federal government attempt to slow population growth and reduce pressure on housing, healthcare and public services.
Permanent Immigration Remains Stable
Despite the decline in temporary residents, permanent immigration to Quebec increased slightly.
The province welcomed 60,150 new permanent residents in 2025, compared to 59,400 in 2024.
The figures suggest Quebec is shifting towards a more controlled immigration model focused on permanent settlement rather than large-scale temporary migration.
However, the increase in permanent immigration was not enough to offset broader demographic pressures.
Deaths Continue To Outnumber Births
Quebec recorded more deaths than births for the second consecutive year in 2025.
The province registered:
- 78,200 births
- 80,450 deaths
Although births rose slightly compared to 2024, Quebec’s fertility rate remained near historic lows at 1.36 children per woman.
The report said fertility in Quebec has generally declined for around 15 years, despite remaining slightly higher than in most other Canadian provinces.
The average age of mothers at the birth of their first child also continued to rise, reaching 30.2 years in 2025.
International Migration Produced Almost No Growth
One of the most striking findings in the report was the near disappearance of net international migration growth.
Quebec’s total migration balance, including international and interprovincial migration, was estimated at minus 7,150 people in 2025.
International migration generated a gain of only 450 people, an unusually low figure for Quebec.
At the same time, Quebec continued to lose residents to other provinces, recording an interprovincial migration deficit of 7,600 people.
Normally, international immigration offsets Quebec’s losses to the rest of Canada and helps compensate for low fertility and an aging population.
In 2025, that balancing effect largely disappeared.
What This Means For Immigration Policy
The figures are likely to intensify debate over immigration policy in Quebec and across Canada.
Federal and provincial governments have increasingly focused on reducing temporary immigration levels after years of rapid population growth.
At the same time, the demographic data shows Quebec remains heavily reliant on immigration to maintain population stability and support its labour market.
Without stronger migration growth, the province faces:
- An aging population
- Low fertility rates
- Slower workforce growth
- Increased pressure on public services
The report illustrates the challenge governments face in trying to reduce temporary resident numbers while still supporting economic growth and long-term demographic stability.
FAQ
Why did Quebec’s population decline in 2025?
Quebec’s population declined mainly because temporary immigration fell sharply while deaths continued to outnumber births. International migration generated almost no net growth, meaning immigration was no longer enough to offset demographic pressures and migration losses to other provinces.
How much did temporary immigration fall in Quebec?
The number of non-permanent residents in Quebec fell by approximately 51,400 people in 2025. This followed several years of rapid growth in temporary immigration, including international students and temporary foreign workers.
Did permanent immigration to Quebec also decline?
No. Permanent immigration increased slightly in 2025. Quebec welcomed 60,150 new permanent residents compared to 59,400 in 2024. However, the increase was not enough to fully offset population losses linked to lower temporary immigration and natural population decline.
Why are deaths exceeding births in Quebec?
Quebec has an aging population and a fertility rate near historic lows. In 2025, the province recorded 80,450 deaths and 78,200 births. The fertility rate remained at just 1.36 children per woman, well below replacement levels.
What does this mean for Canada’s immigration debate?
The figures highlight the difficult balance governments face between reducing temporary resident numbers and maintaining economic and demographic growth. Quebec still relies heavily on immigration to support its labour market and counteract aging population pressures.