Canada’s population shrinks as lower immigration rates take hold (opens original article in a new tab)

Canada's population slightly declined in the first quarter of 2026 as lower immigration rates and reduced natural growth took effect, according to Statistics Canada estimates.

• Canada's population declined by 0.1% in Q1 2026 due to lower immigration rates
• Natural population growth fell by 155 people compared to the previous year
• Immigration targets and non-permanent resident policies have been adjusted by the Canadian government
• Statistics Canada expects updated population estimates in September due to changing migration policies
• Permanent immigrants invited in Q1 2026 were 20.2% lower than the same quarter in 2025