Population

Canada's total population is projected to reach 41.4 million in 2025, reflecting consistent growth supported by elevated immigration and rising life expectancy. The current period is characterized by a stable, moderate growth rate of 1.7% annually from 2020 to 2025. International migration remains the principal driver, as natural growth slows due to declining fertility rates and an aging population. While the growth rate has decelerated slightly compared with previous decades, Canada continues to outpace most other developed economies, reinforcing its demographic resilience and economic stability. New population records have been set annually, reflecting the cumulative impacts of immigration policy and health improvements.

Over the five years to 2025, the nation's demographic landscape has been shaped by several notable factors. Declining total fertility rates have resulted in fewer births, lowering the contribution of natural increase and increasing dependence on net international migration to drive population expansion. Canadian fertility rates are now below replacement level, a trend seen across much of the developed world, contributing to a rising median age and higher proportional share of seniors. Meanwhile, the country's openness to immigration, with policies targeting an annual intake exceeding 340,000 new arrivals, has maintained steady inflows and offset natural decrease in some provinces. Growth patterns have varied regionally; provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia continue to attract both immigrants and interprovincial movers with comparatively strong labor markets and housing opportunities, while Atlantic provinces contend with slower growth and aging populations.

From 2020 to 2025, population gains have also been influenced by improved survivorship due to advancements in healthcare, which have extended average life expectancy nationwide. This prolonged lifespan, alongside ongoing urbanization, has reinforced concentrated population growth in major urban centers. Macro trends of labor market shifts, changing family formation preferences and the increasing economic importance of immigrant communities are also shaping the demographic profile. Ultimately, the five years to 2025 reflect a stable but slightly slowing era of growth, underpinned by a transition toward a more diverse, older, and increasingly urban society.