Canada saw minimal population growth in the second quarter of 2025, as per the latest data from Statistics Canada. The country’s population increased by 0.1% from April 1 to July 1, adding 47,098 individuals. This growth rate is the lowest for a second quarter since 1946, excluding pandemic years.
The stagnant population growth was primarily due to a decrease in the number of non-permanent residents in Canada. In the quarter, 58,719 non-permanent residents departed the country, marking the second largest quarterly decline since 1971, excluding pandemic-related anomalies.
This trend follows adjustments to Canada’s immigration policy in 2024, which aimed to restrict the entry of non-permanent residents. Changes included reducing the intake of temporary foreign workers and study permits. Previously, the government had eased restrictions on non-permanent residents to address labor shortages post-pandemic, resulting in a significant population surge of approximately 1 million annually from 2022 to early 2025.
Statistics Canada noted a decline in individuals holding work permits or study permits in Canada during the quarter, contributing to the reduction in non-permanent residents. However, an increase in asylum claimants helped offset the overall decline in temporary residents.