StatCan estimates population edged lower in the first quarter of 2026
Statistics Canada said 83,149 permanent immigrants arrived in the quarter, while non-permanent residents fell by 117,879.
- Statistics Canada estimates the population edged down 0.1% in the first quarter of 2026 as the number of non-permanent residents dropped significantly during the period.
- The decline stems from multiple demographic pressures: net emigration totaled 20,140 people during the quarter, while natural increase was negative 155 as deaths exceeded births.
- Statistics Canada reported the nation welcomed 83,149 permanent immigrants in the first quarter, down from 104,210 in the same period last year.
- The population was estimated at 41,417,056 on April 1, representing a decrease of 55,025 people from Jan. 1 to mark the start of the second quarter.
- This result contrasts sharply with the first quarter of 2025, when the population increased by 983, underscoring a significant demographic shift in national growth patterns.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Canada’s population continues to fall amid lower intake of temporary residents
The preliminary number of non-permanent residents decreased by 117,879 people in the first quarter of 2026, StatCan said, cautioning that the figure will be updated in September
The population declined slightly by 0.1 per cent in the first quarter, reflecting a decline in the number of non-permanent residents, according to Statistics Canada.
Canada's population is dropping, but economists say that could be OK
Canada's population dipped by about 55,000 people in the first three months of this year, according to new numbers from Statistics Canada, which estimates the population as of April 1 was 41,417,056.

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