Understanding the Population in Canada by Province: A 2025 Snapshot

So, what's the deal with Canada's population in 2025? It's a bit of a mixed bag across the country. While some places are seeing more people, others are staying about the same or even shrinking a little. We've got new numbers out that give us a snapshot of the population in Canada by province, and it shows us how things are shifting. Let's break down what's happening.

Key Takeaways

• Canada's overall population growth slowed down in early 2025, with international migration being the only factor adding people, as more deaths occurred than births.

• Some provinces, like Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, saw very slight population decreases in the first quarter of 2025.

• Alberta, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut experienced the fastest population growth rates during this period.

• The number of non-permanent residents in Canada decreased significantly, impacting population figures, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.

• Interprovincial migration shows Alberta continuing to attract people from other provinces, while trends in the Atlantic provinces suggest slower growth or stagnation.

Understanding Population Dynamics Across Canadian Provinces

So, let's talk about what's happening with Canada's population in early 2025. It's not quite the same story we've seen in past years, and things are shifting around quite a bit across the provinces. The overall growth rate has slowed considerably, and in some places, the population is actually shrinking.

National Population Growth Trends in Early 2025

Canada's population saw a bit of a dip in the third quarter of 2025, which was a first for us. We're now hovering around 41.6 million people. This slowdown isn't just a blip; it's a noticeable change from the steady increases we've gotten used to. The first quarter of 2025, for instance, didn't see the usual bump we'd expect for that time of year. Growth rates have been much lower than the average we've seen over the last couple of decades.

Here's a quick look at how some provinces were doing at the start of April 2025:

Province/Territory	Population (April 1, 2025)	Quarterly Change
Canada	41,548,787	0.0%
Newfoundland and Labrador	545,464	-0.0%
Prince Edward Island	180,029	0.4%
Nova Scotia	1,080,418	0.1%
New Brunswick	859,839	0.1%
Quebec	9,110,616	-0.0%
Ontario	16,176,977	-0.0%
Manitoba	1,507,330	0.2%
Saskatchewan	1,253,569	0.2%
Alberta	4,980,659	0.4%
British Columbia	5,719,961	-0.0%
Yukon	47,111	-0.0%
Northwest Territories	45,242	0.4%
Nunavut	41,572	0.4%

Impact of International Migration on Provincial Populations

International migration is still a big piece of the population puzzle, but its impact is being felt differently everywhere. New federal policies have really changed things, especially for provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, which usually see a lot of international students. They're experiencing slower population growth now. It seems like all provinces are dealing with this slowdown, which affects their potential for growth.

Natural Increase: Births Versus Deaths in Canadian Provinces

When we look at births versus deaths, the numbers aren't adding up to growth anymore in many places. In the first quarter of 2025, more people died than were born across Canada. This is happening because our population is getting older, fewer babies are being born, and sadly, more deaths occur in the winter. This trend of more deaths than births has been going on for the first quarter of every year since 2022. It means that any population growth we are seeing is almost entirely thanks to people moving in from other countries. Without that, many provinces would be shrinking.

The way we count people in Canada is pretty detailed. Statistics Canada uses census data and then adjusts it. They also track people moving in and out, both from other countries and between provinces. It's a complex system designed to give us the best picture possible of who lives where and how that changes over time. This is how we know that Canada's population actually decreased by 76,000 in the third quarter of 2025, a first for the country. Canada's population experienced

Here are some key factors influencing these shifts:

• International Migration: Changes in federal policies and the number of non-permanent residents are having a significant effect.

• Natural Increase: The balance between births and deaths is becoming a drag on population growth, especially in the first quarter of the year.

• Interprovincial Migration: People moving between provinces continue to play a role, with some provinces attracting more people than others.

• Economic Factors: Job opportunities and economic conditions in different regions influence where people choose to live. Population estimates are updated regularly to reflect these changes.

Provincial Population Shifts and Growth Rates

Things are really shifting across Canada when you look at how the provinces are growing, or in some cases, not growing. It’s not a uniform picture at all. Some places are seeing a nice bump in people, while others are actually shrinking a bit. This really changes the feel of a place, you know?

Provinces Experiencing Population Decline

It’s a bit of a surprise, but some of the biggest provinces are actually seeing their populations dip. Ontario and British Columbia, for example, had their largest quarterly population losses since way back in 1951 during the first quarter of 2025. It’s not a huge drop, just a small percentage, but it’s a noticeable change. Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador also saw slight decreases. This trend is partly due to fewer non-permanent residents, which has had a bigger impact on provinces that usually have a lot of them, like Ontario and B.C. It seems like the federal government's immigration policy changes are really being felt.

The overall population of Canada actually decreased slightly in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 0.2% drop. This means the country's total population dipped below 41.6 million people for that period.

Provinces with Positive Population Growth

On the flip side, several provinces and territories are still growing. Alberta is leading the pack with a solid 0.4% growth rate in the first quarter of 2025. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut are also seeing good growth, along with Prince Edward Island, which had the fastest growth rate nationally at 0.4%. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are also showing positive, albeit slower, growth. It’s interesting to see how these areas are attracting people even as others are seeing declines. This growth is happening even though natural increase – the difference between births and deaths – was negative nationwide, meaning international migration is the sole driver of population gains right now.

Here’s a quick look at the growth rates for the first quarter of 2025:

• Alberta: +0.4%

• Prince Edward Island: +0.4%

• Northwest Territories: +0.4%

• Nunavut: +0.4%

• Manitoba: +0.2%

• Saskatchewan: +0.2%

• Nova Scotia: +0.1%

• New Brunswick: +0.1%

Territorial Population Changes

The territories are also showing some interesting movement. While Yukon saw a slight population decrease, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are experiencing robust growth, both at 0.4% in the first quarter of 2025. This suggests that while some parts of the country are contracting, the North is still a draw for people. These growth rates are quite significant when you consider the smaller base populations in the territories. It's a different story than what we're seeing in the larger provinces, and it highlights the diverse demographic landscape of Canada. You can check out the latest population estimates for a detailed breakdown.

Key Factors Influencing Provincial Population Changes

So, what's really moving the needle when it comes to population numbers in Canada's provinces? It's not just one thing, but a mix of factors that are shaping where people live and how quickly communities are growing.

The Role of Non-Permanent Residents

Changes in the number of non-permanent residents have a pretty big impact, especially in provinces that usually see a lot of international students. We're seeing a slowdown here, and it's affecting population growth in places like Ontario and British Columbia more than others. It's a noticeable shift from what we've seen in past years.

Interprovincial Migration Patterns

People moving between provinces is another big piece of the puzzle. For a while, we saw a trend of people moving from Ontario to the Atlantic provinces, but that's really slowing down now. What's more, some of these Atlantic provinces are now seeing people move away to places like Alberta and Quebec. This back-and-forth movement, or lack thereof, really changes the population counts in different regions.

Here's a look at the net interprovincial migration for the first quarter of 2025:

Province/Territory	Net Interprovincial Migration
Alberta	+7,176
Prince Edward Island	+749
Manitoba	+106
Saskatchewan	-152
Newfoundland and Labrador	-115
Quebec	-1,013
Ontario	-5,664
British Columbia	-2,357
Yukon	-15

Economic Drivers of Population Movement

Of course, jobs and the economy play a huge role. When one province has a booming economy and lots of job openings, people tend to move there. Conversely, if economic opportunities are scarce, people might look elsewhere. This economic pull is a constant force shaping migration trends across the country. Alberta, for example, has been attracting people from other provinces for a while now, even as other regions see people leave.

It's interesting to see how shifts in federal policies, like those affecting immigration, can have ripple effects across the country. What might seem like a national change can actually hit certain provinces much harder than others, depending on their existing demographics and economic ties. This interconnectedness is something we're watching closely.

These three factors – non-permanent residents, interprovincial moves, and economic opportunities – are really the main engines driving population changes from one province to another.

Regional Population Snapshots

Atlantic Canada's Population Outlook

Atlantic Canada is seeing some interesting population shifts. While Newfoundland and Labrador experienced a tiny dip in population in early 2025, down by 115 people, Prince Edward Island is on a bit of a growth spurt, adding 749 residents. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick also saw modest increases. It's a mixed bag, really, with some provinces holding steady and others showing small gains.

Growth Dynamics in Quebec and Ontario

Ontario and Quebec, Canada's two most populous provinces, both saw slight population decreases in the first quarter of 2025. Ontario lost about 5,664 people, and Quebec saw a decrease of 1,013. These might seem like small numbers compared to their total populations, but they represent the biggest quarterly drops recorded for these provinces in a very long time. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, especially for Ontario and BC, which haven't seen declines like this since the mid-1950s.

Western Canada's Population Trends

Western Canada presents a different picture. Alberta continues its streak of attracting people from other provinces, reporting its eleventh consecutive quarter of net gains from interprovincial migration, even though the numbers were a bit lower than in previous years. Saskatchewan, on the other hand, saw a smaller net loss than usual. Manitoba even managed a small net gain, which is notable as it's their first positive interprovincial migration quarter since 2004. British Columbia, however, experienced a slight population decrease, similar to Ontario and Quebec.

The overall population growth across Canada in early 2025 was slower than usual for a first quarter. International migration was the only factor contributing to growth, as the number of births was lower than the number of deaths. This trend of more deaths than births has been consistent since 2022, likely due to an aging population and lower birth rates.

Here's a quick look at the population changes in the first quarter of 2025:

• Newfoundland and Labrador: -0.0% change

• Prince Edward Island: +0.4% change

• Nova Scotia: +0.1% change

• New Brunswick: +0.1% change

• Quebec: -0.0% change

• Ontario: -0.0% change

• Manitoba: +0.2% change

• Saskatchewan: +0.2% change

• Alberta: +0.4% change

• British Columbia: -0.0% change

Socioeconomic Indicators and Population

When we look at how people live and what they earn, it really paints a picture of how different provinces are doing. It's not just about numbers on a census form; it's about the real-life conditions that affect where people choose to live and how they get by.

Poverty Rates by Province

Poverty is a complex issue, and its rates can vary quite a bit across Canada. While some national trends show improvements in certain poverty measures, others have unfortunately worsened, especially since around 2020. Things like food insecurity and unmet healthcare needs have seen increases, which is concerning.

Here's a look at some key indicators:

• Food Insecurity: This has gone up, meaning more people are struggling to afford enough good food. In 2023, about 19.1% of people reported moderate or severe food insecurity, a jump from when data collection started.

• Unmet Health Care Needs: More Canadians are reporting that they can't get the healthcare they need when they need it. This figure was 9.1% in 2023.

• Low Income Entry Rates: The rate at which people fall into low income has also seen an increase in recent years.

It's important to remember that these numbers can differ significantly from one province to another, influenced by local economies and social support systems.

Poverty isn't just about not having enough money. It's tied to a whole web of factors, including access to housing, healthcare, education, and job opportunities. These things all interact and can make it harder for people to get ahead, no matter where they live in Canada.

Alberta's Interprovincial Migration Advantage

Alberta has often been a magnet for people moving from other Canadian provinces. This isn't by accident. Usually, it's driven by a strong job market, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, and sometimes lower housing costs compared to places like British Columbia or Ontario. This influx of people can really boost a province's population numbers and its economy, bringing in new workers and consumers.

Newfoundland and Labrador's Economic and Population Growth

Newfoundland and Labrador has faced its own set of economic challenges over the years, often linked to resource industries. However, recent years have shown some signs of change. While the province has historically seen out-migration, there are efforts and sometimes shifts that can lead to population stabilization or even growth. This can be influenced by new job opportunities, government initiatives, or even a return of younger people who left for work elsewhere. The province's ability to retain and attract residents is closely tied to its economic diversification and the creation of sustainable employment.

Here's a simplified look at how these factors might play out:

1. Economic Opportunities: Are there jobs available? What kind of jobs are they, and do they pay well?

2. Cost of Living: Can people afford to live there? This includes housing, groceries, and transportation.

3. Social Services: What's the quality of healthcare, education, and other public services?

4. Quality of Life: Factors like community feel, access to nature, and cultural activities also matter.

These socioeconomic elements are constantly shifting and have a direct impact on population trends across Canada's provinces.

Wrapping It Up

So, looking at Canada's population in early 2025, things are definitely shifting. While the overall growth is pretty slow, with more deaths than births happening in some places, international migration is still keeping the numbers up. Some provinces, like Ontario and B.C., saw a slight dip, which is a bit unusual for them. On the flip side, places like Alberta, P.E.I., and the territories are growing at a decent pace. It's a mixed bag across the country, and it seems like the number of non-permanent residents has also dropped a bit. It's clear that population changes aren't the same everywhere in Canada, and these trends will keep shaping how things look going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall population change in Canada at the start of 2025?

Canada's population saw a very small increase of just over 20,000 people between January and April 2025. This is one of the slowest growth periods seen in recent years, mainly due to changes in immigration policies.

Are more people being born or dying in Canada?

In the first few months of 2025, more people died than were born. This 'natural decrease' has been happening for a few winter periods now, partly because Canada's population is getting older and fewer babies are being born.

Which provinces are losing people?

A few provinces and one territory experienced a slight decrease in population early in 2025. These include Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Yukon. While the numbers are small, the drops in Ontario and B.C. were the biggest seen in a long time for those provinces.

How are non-permanent residents affecting population numbers?

The number of non-permanent residents in Canada dropped significantly by April 2025, which is the biggest decrease since the early days of the pandemic. This change is impacting provinces like Ontario and British Columbia more noticeably because they have many international students.

Is anyone moving between provinces?

Yes, people are still moving between provinces, but fewer than in the past few years. Alberta continues to gain the most people from other provinces for the eleventh time in a row. However, some provinces in Atlantic Canada are seeing more people move away to places like Alberta and Quebec.

Which provinces are growing the fastest?

Despite some provinces shrinking, others are growing. Prince Edward Island, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut all saw the fastest population growth in early 2025, increasing by about 0.4%.