Overview
- Statistics Canada’s Wednesday report estimated Canada’s population fell about 55,000 in the first quarter of 2026 to 41,417,056, marking a third straight quarterly decline.
- The drop was led by 20.2% fewer permanent immigrants year‑over‑year (83,149 admitted) and a fall of roughly 117,879 non‑permanent residents, a group that includes international students and temporary workers.
- Natural change was slightly negative in Q1 2026, with 155 more deaths than births overall and sharp provincial swings such as Newfoundland and Labrador’s record Q1 natural decline of 941 people.
- Statistics Canada cautioned the Q1 numbers are preliminary and may be revised because of fast‑changing migration rules, permit extensions and processing delays; updated figures are expected in September.
- Economists warn the lower inflows and record Q1 emigration could weigh on GDP growth unless Canada raises productivity, boosts labour participation, or adjusts immigration targets that aim to cut temporary‑resident share below five percent by 2027.