Exploring Canada’s Population Shifts in Q3 2025

Recent estimates from Statistics Canada reveal a notable decline in Canada’s population during the third quarter of 2025. The data indicates a decrease of 76,068 individuals, marking the first quarterly drop this year.

Factors Driving the Population Decline

The primary reason behind this decline can be attributed to a significant decrease in temporary residents. The report highlights a substantial drop of 176,479 non-permanent residents, representing the largest quarterly decline on record. This trend was primarily influenced by the expiration of permits, surpassing the issuance of new ones.

Regional Variances in Population Changes

Provincial data shows that Ontario and British Columbia experienced the most significant population losses, whereas Alberta and Nunavut were the only regions to witness slight growth. The decline was particularly pronounced among international students and temporary workers, especially in Ontario and B.C.

Stability in Permanent Immigration

Despite the overall decline, permanent immigration remained relatively stable, with approximately 103,000 new immigrants being admitted during the quarter.

Policy Impact on Population Trends

The recent slowdown in population growth can be linked to federal policy adjustments, including stricter regulations concerning study permits, work permits, spousal open work permits, and low-wage Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs). The government aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5 percent of Canada’s total population by 2027.