Canada’s population reached an estimated 41,798,407 people on July 1, 2026, according to the latest Statistics Canada population estimates. The country added 80,343 people during the second quarter, representing population growth of 0.2%.

The latest figures show that Canada’s population is still growing, but at a much slower pace than in recent years. Immigration remained a major contributor to population growth, while the number of non-permanent residents declined.

Statistics Canada reported that the population increased by 189,425 people, or 0.5%, between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. This was the lowest annual July-to-July increase in the total population since 1944/1945 and the lowest percentage growth since 1915/1916.

Canada’s Population Growth Slows in the Second Quarter

The July 1 estimate represents a 0.2% increase from the previous quarter.

Canada’s population stood at 41,718,064 on April 1, 2026, before reaching 41,798,407 three months later.

The slowdown is particularly notable when compared with the stronger growth recorded earlier in the decade.

Statistics Canada reported that annual population growth reached 2.8% between July 2023 and July 2024. It then declined to 1.1% in the following year before falling to 0.5% between July 2025 and July 2026.

This shift reflects changes in several components of population growth, including immigration and the number of non-permanent residents.

Immigration Remains a Major Source of Population Growth

An estimated 99,148 immigrants were added to Canada’s population during the second quarter of 2026.

However, the quarterly flow of immigrants was 4.2% lower than in the same quarter of 2025.

The figure demonstrates that immigration continues to play a major role in Canada’s demographic growth even as the overall pace of population increase has slowed.

For people following Canada immigration, this is an important distinction. A slower population growth rate does not mean that immigration has stopped. Rather, the latest data shows a changing balance between permanent immigration, temporary residents and other components of demographic change.

Source: Canada’s population estimates, second quarter 2026

Non-Permanent Resident Population Declines

Canada’s estimated non-permanent resident population stood at 2,779,774 on July 1, 2026.

That represented a 0.7% decrease from the previous quarter.

The decline in non-permanent residents is an important part of the broader demographic shift.

Non-permanent residents include people in Canada under temporary immigration statuses, such as study permits and work permits, subject to Statistics Canada’s definitions and estimation methodology.

The decline in this population can therefore influence Canada’s overall population growth even when permanent immigration remains substantial.

Natural Increase Also Contributed to Growth

Population growth is not driven only by immigration.

Natural increase occurs when the number of births exceeds the number of deaths. In the second quarter of 2026, natural increase contributed to Canada’s population growth.

The overall population estimate combines demographic components such as births, deaths, immigration, emigration, non-permanent residents and movements between provinces and territories.

This is why the headline population change should not be interpreted as being entirely caused by immigration.

Annual Growth Reaches a Historic Low

The most notable part of the latest Statistics Canada release is the comparison with historical population growth.

Canada’s population increased by 0.5% between July 2025 and July 2026.

Statistics Canada said this was:

• The lowest July-to-July growth in the total population since 1944/1945.
• The lowest July-to-July percentage growth since 1915/1916.

The agency also noted that annual growth had risen sharply after 2020/2021, reaching 2.8% in 2023/2024 before slowing in the following two years.

These figures put the latest slowdown into a much longer demographic context.

Population Growth Varies Across Canada

The national trend does not mean every province or territory experienced the same demographic change.

For example, Statistics Canada estimated Alberta’s population at 5,101,050 on July 1, 2026, up 0.4% from the previous quarter. Saskatchewan’s population reached 1,278,402, also up 0.4%.

British Columbia’s population was estimated at 5,710,598, an increase of 0.1%, while Ontario’s population reached 16,262,121, also up 0.1%.

The differences matter for immigration because provinces have different labour markets, population trends and immigration programs.

What Does the Population Slowdown Mean for Immigration?

The latest population data should not be interpreted as an announcement of changes to Canada’s immigration programs.

Statistics Canada produces demographic estimates. Immigration policy is determined through federal and provincial immigration authorities.

However, demographic trends provide useful context for discussions around labour shortages, population aging, temporary residents and future immigration levels.

For prospective immigrants, the data also reinforces why Canadian immigration pathways can change over time as governments respond to economic and demographic conditions.

People considering Permanent Residence, Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program should therefore focus on the immigration rules and program requirements currently in effect rather than relying on population statistics alone.

Statistics Canada Says the 2026 Estimates are Preliminary

Statistics Canada says the estimates will be updated through its standard revision process. The agency uses 2021 Census counts adjusted for census net undercoverage and other factors, along with subsequent demographic data.

The agency also cautions that preliminary estimates can change as more complete information becomes available, including late birth and death registrations and annual tax information used to measure interprovincial migration.

These estimates should also not be confused with the 2026 Census population counts, which Statistics Canada says will be released on February 10, 2027.

What Should Immigration Candidates Take From the Latest Data?

Canada’s population continues to grow, but the pace has changed significantly.

Permanent immigration remains an important contributor, while the estimated non-permanent resident population has declined. The result is a different demographic pattern from the rapid population growth seen earlier in the decade.

For prospective newcomers, the key point is that population data provides context rather than an immigration eligibility test.

Candidates should assess their individual options based on their occupation, education, language ability, work experience, immigration status and the requirements of the specific program.

ImmigCanada immigration consulting services can help prospective applicants assess their Canada immigration options with our Certified Canadian immigration consultant Eivy Joy Quito.