Canada’s Population Growth Nearly Stalls as Non-Permanent Resident Numbers Drop
- ClearView Insider
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Canada’s population growth slowed sharply in Q2 2025, driven by a steep decline in the number of non-permanent residents. Between April and July, the country added just 47,905 people — a 90% drop compared to the same quarter last year. This marks one of the weakest population gains since 2020.
The number of non-permanent residents — including temporary foreign workers and international students — fell by 58,719 in the quarter. This follows new federal policy changes aimed at capping low-wage workers and slashing study permit approvals. Economists warn the slowdown could strain long-term labour force growth and limit Canada’s economic potential.
Calgary and Alberta may feel the effects sooner than other provinces. The Prairies have been among the top destinations for newcomers, with non-permanent residents playing a key role in labour availability across sectors like logistics, construction, and retail.
Meanwhile, Canada’s median age climbed to 41.8 years — a full two-year increase in just eight years — underscoring the demographic headwinds shaping future workforce dynamics.
Source: CBC News. “Canada's population growth almost flat in 2nd quarter as number of non-permanent residents declines,” Sept. 29, 2025.https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-q2-population-1.7642276
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