Canada Demographic by Race 2025
Canada stands as one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations, shaped by centuries of immigration and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. The demographic landscape of this North American country reflects a rich tapestry of cultures, races, and ethnic backgrounds that continue to evolve with each passing year. Understanding the racial and ethnic composition of Canada provides crucial insights into the nation’s social fabric, economic patterns, and cultural dynamics that influence policy-making, business decisions, and community development across all provinces and territories.
The most recent comprehensive data available from Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census reveals a nation undergoing significant demographic transformation. The census enumerated a total population of 36,991,981 individuals, marking a substantial increase from previous decades. This demographic shift is primarily driven by immigration patterns that have fundamentally altered Canada’s racial composition, with racialized populations growing at rates significantly exceeding those of non-racialized groups. The data demonstrates that Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity has resulted in one of the most ethnically heterogeneous populations among developed nations, positioning the country as a global model for successful integration and cultural pluralism.
Interesting Facts About Canada’s Racial Demographics in 2025
| Demographic Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Population Count | 36,991,981 people enumerated in 2021 Census |
| Racialized Population Percentage | 26.5% of total population (approximately 9.64 million people) |
| White Population | 25.4 million people (69.8% of total population) |
| Indigenous Population | 1,807,250 people (5.0% of total population) |
| Largest Racialized Group | South Asian: 2.6 million people (7.1% of population) |
| Second Largest Racialized Group | Chinese: 1.7 million people (4.7% of population) |
| Third Largest Racialized Group | Black: 1.5 million people (4.3% of population) |
| Growth Rate (2016-2021) | Racialized population: +18.4%, White population: +1% |
| Province with Highest Diversity | British Columbia: 34.4% racialized population |
| Second Most Diverse Province | Ontario: 34.3% racialized population |
| Ethnic Origins Reported | Over 450 different ethnic or cultural origins |
| Multiple Ethnic Origins | 35.5% of population reported more than one ethnic origin |
| Indigenous Population Growth | +9.4% from 2016 to 2021 |
| First Nations Population | 1,048,405 people (first time exceeding 1 million) |
| Métis Population | 624,220 people |
| Inuit Population | 70,545 people |
| Filipino Population | 960,000 people (2.6% of population) |
| Arab Population | 690,000 people (1.9% of population) |
| Latin American Population | 580,000 people (1.6% of population) |
| Average Age Gap | Indigenous peoples 8.2 years younger than non-Indigenous |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021 (Released October 26, 2022 and September 21, 2022)
The 2021 Census data reveals extraordinary diversity across Canada’s population. The racialized population, comprising 26.5% of all Canadians, represents a dramatic increase from 22.2% in 2016 and 19.1% in 2011, demonstrating the rapid pace of demographic change. This growth is unprecedented in Canadian history, with the racialized population expanding by approximately 18.4% between 2016 and 2021, while the White population grew by just 1% during the same period. The three largest racialized groups—South Asian, Chinese, and Black—collectively represent 16.1% of Canada’s total population, with each group surpassing the one million mark for the first time in census history.
The Indigenous population of 1,807,250 people represents 5.0% of Canada’s total population, growing at a rate of 9.4% between 2016 and 2021, significantly outpacing the non-Indigenous growth rate of 5.3%. For the first time in Canadian census history, the First Nations population exceeded one million people, reaching 1,048,405 individuals. The demographic youth of Indigenous populations is particularly notable, with an average age of 33.6 years compared to 41.8 years for non-Indigenous Canadians. The Métis community of 624,220 people and the Inuit population of 70,545 contribute to the rich tapestry of Indigenous identity across the nation, with 69.0% of Inuit residing in Inuit Nunangat, their traditional homeland.
Racialized Population Distribution in Canada 2025
| Racialized Group | Population | Percentage of Total | Growth from 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Asian | 2,600,000 | 7.1% | +647,000 |
| Chinese | 1,700,000 | 4.7% | Data available |
| Black | 1,500,000 | 4.3% | +349,000 |
| Filipino | 960,000 | 2.6% | +177,000 |
| Arab | 690,000 | 1.9% | +171,000 |
| Latin American | 580,000 | 1.6% | Data available |
| Southeast Asian | 390,000 | 1.1% | Data available |
| West Asian | 360,000 | 1.0% | Data available |
| Korean | 220,000 | 0.6% | Data available |
| Japanese | 99,000 | 0.3% | +6,000 |
| Multiple Visible Minorities | 330,000 | 0.9% | Data available |
| Total Racialized Population | 9,640,000 | 26.5% | +18.4% |
| Not Racialized (Including White) | 27,350,000 | 73.5% | +1% |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, The Daily, October 26, 2022; Census of Population, 2021
The racialized population distribution in Canada 2021 demonstrates remarkable diversity and growth patterns across different ethnic groups. The South Asian community, representing 7.1% of the total population with 2.6 million people, stands as the largest racialized group, experiencing an increase of 647,000 individuals between 2016 and 2021. This community encompasses diverse origins including Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, and other South Asian ethnicities, with mother tongues ranging from Punjabi and Urdu to Hindi, Tamil, and Gujarati. The Chinese population of 1.7 million people represents 4.7% of Canada’s population, maintaining its position as the second-largest racialized group with a longstanding presence dating back to the 19th century.
The Black population of 1.5 million people (4.3%) experienced substantial growth of 349,000 individuals during the five-year census period, reflecting both immigration from African and Caribbean nations and natural population increase. The Filipino community of 960,000 people (2.6%) saw an increase of 177,000 individuals, representing one of the fastest-growing racialized populations in Canada. The Arab population of 690,000 (1.9%) grew by 171,000 people, while Latin Americans numbered 580,000 (1.6%), Southeast Asians 390,000 (1.1%), West Asians 360,000 (1.0%), Koreans 220,000 (0.6%), and Japanese 99,000 (0.3%). The Japanese community showed the slowest growth among racialized groups, adding just 6,000 people between censuses. Approximately 330,000 Canadians (0.9%) identified with multiple racialized backgrounds, reflecting increasing rates of interracial unions and mixed heritage.
Indigenous Population Breakdown in Canada 2025
| Indigenous Group | Population | Percentage of Total | Growth Rate (2016-2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Nations | 1,048,405 | 2.8% of total population | +9.7% |
| First Nations with Status | 753,110 | 71.8% of First Nations | +4.1% |
| First Nations without Status | 295,295 | 28.2% of First Nations | +27.2% |
| On Reserve (Status) | 308,775 | 41% of Status First Nations | Data available |
| Off Reserve (Status) | 444,335 | 59% of Status First Nations | Data available |
| Métis | 624,220 | 1.7% of total population | +6.3% |
| Inuit | 70,545 | 0.2% of total population | +8.5% |
| Inuit in Inuit Nunangat | 48,676 | 69.0% of Inuit | +2.9% |
| Inuit Outside Nunangat | 21,869 | 31.0% of Inuit | +23.6% |
| Total Indigenous Population | 1,807,250 | 5.0% of total population | +9.4% |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021 (Released September 21, 2022); First Nations people, Métis and Inuit in Canada infographic
The Indigenous population breakdown in Canada 2021 reveals significant demographic patterns and growth trajectories across the three constitutionally recognized Indigenous groups. The First Nations population of 1,048,405 people represents a historic milestone, marking the first time this population exceeded one million in a Canadian census. This group comprises 2.8% of Canada’s total population and grew by 9.7% between 2016 and 2021. Within the First Nations population, 753,110 individuals (71.8%) held Registered or Treaty Indian status under the Indian Act, while 295,295 people (28.2%) identified as First Nations without such status. The growth patterns differed dramatically between these subgroups, with Status First Nations growing by only 4.1% compared to 27.2% growth among non-Status First Nations, suggesting evolving identity dynamics and possible effects of legislative changes affecting status registration.
The residential distribution of Status First Nations people shows 41% (308,775 individuals) living on reserve lands, while 59% (444,335 people) resided off reserve. The Métis population of 624,220 people represents 1.7% of Canada’s total population and experienced 6.3% growth between 2016 and 2021, with 224,655 individuals reporting registered membership in a Métis organization or settlement. The Inuit population of 70,545 people (0.2% of total population) grew by 8.5% during the census period, with a notable geographic split: 69.0% (48,676 people) lived in Inuit Nunangat, comprising the four Inuit regions of Inuvialuit, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, while 31.0% (21,869 people) resided outside their traditional homeland. The Inuit population outside Inuit Nunangat grew at a much faster rate of 23.6% compared to 2.9% growth within Nunangat, indicating significant urban migration patterns.
Provincial Racialized Population Distribution in Canada 2025
| Province/Territory | Total Population | Racialized Population % | Largest Racialized Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | 5,000,879 | 34.4% | Chinese, South Asian |
| Ontario | 14,223,942 | 34.3% | South Asian, Chinese, Black |
| Alberta | 4,262,635 | 27.8% | South Asian, Filipino |
| Manitoba | 1,342,153 | 22.2% | Filipino, South Asian |
| Quebec | 8,501,833 | Below 20% | Black, Arab |
| Saskatchewan | 1,132,505 | Below 15% | Filipino, Chinese |
| Nova Scotia | 969,383 | Below 15% | Black, Arab |
| New Brunswick | 775,610 | Below 10% | Black, Arab |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 510,550 | Below 5% | Various groups |
| Prince Edward Island | 154,331 | Below 5% | Various groups |
| Northwest Territories | 41,070 | Data available | Various groups |
| Yukon | 40,232 | Data available | Various groups |
| Nunavut | 36,858 | Data available | Various groups |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021; Visible Minority Wikipedia compilation from StatCan data
The provincial racialized population distribution in Canada 2021 demonstrates significant regional variations in ethnic diversity. British Columbia leads all provinces with 34.4% of its population identifying as racialized, making it the most ethnically diverse province in Canada. The province’s racialized population is predominantly Chinese and South Asian, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Asia-Pacific regions and continued strong immigration from these areas. Ontario follows closely with 34.3% racialized population, representing over 4.8 million individuals out of its total population of 14.2 million. Ontario’s diversity is particularly concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area, where South Asian, Chinese, and Black communities form the largest racialized groups.
Alberta ranks third in provincial diversity with 27.8% racialized population, primarily comprising South Asian and Filipino communities. The province’s economic opportunities, particularly in the energy sector and service industries, have attracted substantial immigration from these regions. Manitoba shows 22.2% racialized population, with Filipino and South Asian communities representing the largest groups, while Quebec maintains a lower racialized population percentage (below 20%), with Black and Arab communities forming the predominant racialized groups, reflecting the province’s historical ties to France and Francophone Africa. The Atlantic provinces—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island—display lower racialized population percentages, generally below 15%, with most below 10% or 5%, though all provinces are experiencing gradual increases through immigration. The territories show unique demographic compositions influenced by substantial Indigenous populations alongside smaller but growing racialized communities.
Major Ethnic Origins Reported in Canada 2025
| Ethnic Origin | Population Reporting | Percentage of Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | 5,700,000 | 15.6% | Single or multiple response |
| English | 5,300,000 | 14.7% | Single or multiple response |
| Irish | 4,400,000 | 12.1% | Single or multiple response |
| Scottish | 4,400,000 | 12.1% | Single or multiple response |
| French | 4,000,000 | 11.0% | Single or multiple response |
| German | 3,000,000 | 8.1% | Single or multiple response |
| Chinese | 1,700,000 | 4.7% | Single or multiple response |
| Italian | 1,500,000 | 4.3% | Single or multiple response |
| Indian (from India) | 1,800,000 | 5.1% | Single or multiple response |
| Ukrainian | 1,300,000 | 3.5% | Single or multiple response |
| Dutch | ~1,000,000 | ~2.7% | Single or multiple response |
| Polish | ~1,000,000 | ~2.7% | Single or multiple response |
| Filipino | 900,000 | 2.5% | Single or multiple response |
| European Origins Total | 19,400,000 | 52.5% | Single or multiple response |
| North American Origins | 8,500,000 | 22.9% | Single or multiple response |
| Asian Origins | 7,100,000 | 19.3% | Single or multiple response |
| Indigenous Origins | 2,200,000 | 6.1% | Single or multiple response |
| African Origins | 1,400,000 | 3.8% | Single or multiple response |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021; The Daily, October 26, 2022
The major ethnic origins reported in Canada 2021 showcase the nation’s multicultural heritage spanning multiple continents and centuries of immigration. Over 450 different ethnic or cultural origins were self-reported by Canadians during the census, with 35.5% of the population reporting multiple ethnic origins, resulting in total responses exceeding the actual population count. The top reported origin was “Canadian” with 5.7 million people (15.6%), representing individuals who identify primarily with Canadian nationality rather than ancestral origins, a phenomenon particularly common among multi-generational Canadians. English origins claimed 5.3 million people (14.7%), followed closely by Irish and Scottish origins, each with 4.4 million people (12.1%), reflecting the significant British Isles immigration that shaped early Canadian demographics.
French origins were reported by 4.0 million people (11.0%), predominantly concentrated in Quebec and representing descendants of New France colonists. German origins (3.0 million, 8.1%) reflect substantial Central European immigration, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Among Asian origins, Chinese (1.7 million, 4.7%) stands as the largest group, followed by Indian origins from India (1.8 million, 5.1%) and Filipino (900,000, 2.5%). Italian origins (1.5 million, 4.3%) and Ukrainian origins (1.3 million, 3.5%) represent significant Southern and Eastern European immigration waves. The broad pan-ethnic categories reveal 52.5% reporting European origins, 22.9% North American origins (including Canadian and Indigenous), 19.3% Asian origins, 6.1% Indigenous origins, and 3.8% African origins, demonstrating Canada’s transformation from a predominantly European-origin nation to a truly multicultural society.
Age Demographics and Generational Patterns in Canada 2025
| Demographic Category | Average Age | Key Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Total Canadian Population | 41.6 years | Median age |
| Non-Indigenous Population | 41.8 years | Average age |
| Indigenous Population | 33.6 years | Average age |
| First Nations People | 32.5 years | Average age |
| Métis People | 35.9 years | Average age |
| Inuit People | 28.9 years | Average age (youngest group) |
| Indigenous Children (0-14) | 459,215 | 25.4% of Indigenous population |
| Non-Indigenous Children (0-14) | Data available | 16.0% of non-Indigenous population |
| Indigenous Age Gap | 8.2 years younger | Compared to non-Indigenous average |
| Multiple Origins Population | 13,100,000 | 35.5% reported multiple ethnic origins |
| Children with Grandparents (Indigenous) | 14.2% | Living with at least one grandparent |
| Children with Grandparents (Non-Indigenous) | 8.9% | Living with at least one grandparent |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021; Indigenous Population Statistics
The age demographics and generational patterns in Canada 2021 reveal striking differences between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, with profound implications for social policy, education, healthcare, and economic planning. The Indigenous population averages 33.6 years, significantly younger than the non-Indigenous population average of 41.8 years—a difference of 8.2 years. This age gap reflects higher birth rates and larger family sizes within Indigenous communities, as well as historical demographic patterns. Among Indigenous groups, the Inuit population is youngest with an average age of 28.9 years, followed by First Nations people at 32.5 years and Métis at 35.9 years.
The proportion of children within these populations further emphasizes the demographic divide. Indigenous children aged 0-14 numbered 459,215, representing 25.4% of the total Indigenous population, nearly double the 16.0% proportion among non-Indigenous Canadians. This youthful demographic structure presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring substantial investments in education, youth services, and employment programs to support this growing population segment. The census also revealed that 14.2% of Indigenous children lived with at least one grandparent, compared to 8.9% of non-Indigenous children, highlighting the continued importance of extended family structures and intergenerational knowledge transfer in Indigenous communities. The fact that 35.5% of all Canadians (13.1 million people) reported multiple ethnic origins demonstrates increasing rates of interethnic unions and the growing complexity of Canadian identity, particularly among younger generations who are more likely to claim diverse ancestral backgrounds.
Immigration and Racialized Population Growth Trends in Canada 2025
| Immigration Metric | Data | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Immigrant Population | 8,300,000 | 23.0% of total population |
| Recent Immigrants (2016-2021) | 1,300,000 | 15.7% of all immigrants |
| Racialized Growth (2016-2021) | +130% | Compared to 1% White population growth |
| Visible Minority 2016 | 22.2% | Of total population |
| Visible Minority 2021 | 26.5% | Of total population |
| Visible Minority 2011 | 19.1% | Of total population |
| Visible Minority 2006 | 16.2% | Of total population |
| Visible Minority 1996 | 11.2% | Of total population |
| Visible Minority 1981 | 4.7% | Of total population |
| Visible Minority 1961 | <2% | Less than 300,000 people |
| South Asian Immigrants | 44.3% born in South Asia | Plus 28.7% born in Canada |
| Recent Immigration (2016-2021) | 21.4% | Of South Asian immigrants |
| Projected Visible Minority 2041 | 38.2-43.0% | Of total population |
| Projected Working-Age VM 2041 | 42.1-47.3% | Ages 15-64 |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021; Population Projections; Visible Minority Wikipedia data compilation
The immigration and racialized population growth trends in Canada 2021 demonstrate the transformative impact of immigration policy reforms implemented since the 1960s. The immigrant population reached 8.3 million people, representing 23.0% of Canada’s total population—the highest proportion since Confederation. This represents a fundamental shift from Canada’s early demographic history, when immigration was predominantly from European nations. Of all immigrants, 1.3 million (15.7%) arrived during the most recent census period between 2016 and 2021, with the majority originating from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa rather than Europe.
The racialized population has experienced explosive growth of 130% from 2001 to 2021, while the White population grew by only 1% during the same period. The historical trajectory shows the racialized population increasing from less than 2% (under 300,000 people) in 1961 to 4.7% in 1981, 11.2% in 1996, 16.2% in 2006, 19.1% in 2011, 22.2% in 2016, and 26.5% in 2021. This represents one of the most rapid demographic transformations in the developed world. Among the South Asian population, 44.3% were born in South Asia, with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh being the primary source countries, while 28.7% were born in Canada, and 21.4% of South Asian immigrants arrived during the most recent five-year period. Statistics Canada projects that by 2041, racialized populations could comprise 38.2% to 43.0% of Canada’s total population, and among the working-age population (15-64 years), this proportion could reach 42.1% to 47.3%, fundamentally reshaping Canada’s demographic, economic, and cultural landscape.
Urban Concentration of Racialized Populations in Canada 2025
| Geographic Area | Indigenous Population | Racialized Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| Large Urban Centres (100,000+) | 801,045 Indigenous people | Highest racialized % |
| Toronto CMA | Significant population | Over 50% racialized |
| Vancouver CMA | Significant population | Over 50% racialized |
| Calgary CMA | Growing population | Above national average |
| Edmonton CMA | Growing population | Above national average |
| Montreal CMA | Growing population | Significant racialized population |
| Ottawa-Gatineau CMA | Growing population | Above national average |
| Winnipeg CMA | Large Indigenous population | Significant racialized population |
| Urban Indigenous Growth (2016-2021) | +12.5% | In large urban centres |
| Ontario Urban Indigenous | 251,030 First Nations | Highest provincial count |
| Western Canada First Nations | 55.5% | Of all First Nations |
| Quebec First Nations | 11.1% | Of all First Nations |
| Atlantic First Nations | 7.6% | Of all First Nations |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021; Indigenous Population Data
The urban concentration of racialized populations in Canada 2021 represents a defining characteristic of contemporary Canadian demography, with major metropolitan areas exhibiting substantially higher diversity than rural regions. Large urban centres with populations exceeding 100,000 housed 801,045 Indigenous people, representing a 12.5% increase from 2016 to 2021, reflecting ongoing urban migration patterns driven by employment opportunities, education access, and social services availability. The Greater Toronto Area and Metro Vancouver have both reached milestone thresholds where racialized populations exceed 50% of total residents, making these census metropolitan areas majority-racialized for the first time in Canadian history.
Toronto’s census metropolitan area exhibits extraordinary diversity, with South Asian, Chinese, and Black populations forming the three largest racialized groups, collectively representing a substantial majority of the region’s residents. Vancouver similarly shows Chinese and South Asian populations as the dominant racialized groups, reflecting the city’s position as a primary gateway for Asia-Pacific immigration. Calgary and Edmonton both demonstrate racialized population percentages above the national average of 26.5%, with South Asian and Filipino communities particularly prominent in both Alberta cities. Montreal maintains a distinct demographic profile with Black and Arab populations forming the largest racialized groups, shaped by Quebec’s linguistic requirements and historical connections to Francophone regions of Africa and the Middle East.
Among First Nations populations, Ontario recorded the highest provincial count with 251,030 individuals, representing nearly one-quarter (23.9%) of Canada’s total First Nations population, despite Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia) being home to 55.5% of all First Nations people. Quebec housed 11.1% of First Nations people, while Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) contained 7.6%, and the territories held the remaining 1.9%. This geographic distribution reflects both historical settlement patterns and ongoing urban migration, with Winnipeg notable for having one of the largest urban Indigenous populations of any Canadian city.
Language Diversity and Racialized Communities in Canada 2025
| Language/Cultural Indicator | Statistics | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Languages | Over 70 languages | Reported in 2021 Census |
| Total Ethnic Origins | Over 450 origins | Self-reported by Canadians |
| South Asian Mother Tongues | Multiple languages | English (36.4%), Punjabi (29.4%), Urdu (11.3%) |
| Hindi Speakers | Included in South Asian | 8.2% of South Asian population |
| Tamil Speakers | Included in South Asian | 7.1% of South Asian population |
| Gujarati Speakers | Included in South Asian | 6.4% of South Asian population |
| Chinese Languages | Multiple dialects | Mandarin, Cantonese, and others |
| Filipino Languages | Tagalog and others | Primary Filipino community languages |
| Christian Population | 19,300,000 | 53.3% of total population (declining) |
| Muslim Population | Highest in Ontario | 6.7% of Ontario population |
| Hindu Population | Highest in Ontario | 4.1% of Ontario population |
| Sikh Population | 770,000 people | Highest proportion in BC (5.9%) |
| Buddhist Population | 360,000 people | 1.0% of total population |
| Jewish Population | 335,000 people | Stable over 20 years |
| No Religious Affiliation | 34.6% nationally | 59.7% in Yukon, 52.1% in BC |
Data Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population, 2021; The Daily, October 26, 2022; Religious and Ethnocultural Diversity Data
The language diversity and racialized communities in Canada 2021 reflect the extraordinary linguistic and cultural plurality resulting from centuries of immigration and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. Over 70 Indigenous languages were reported during the census, representing distinct First Nations, Métis, and Inuit linguistic traditions, though many face endangerment due to historical suppression policies and ongoing challenges in language transmission. The South Asian community demonstrates remarkable linguistic diversity, with English as the mother tongue for 36.4% of South Asians, Punjabi for 29.4%, Urdu for 11.3%, Hindi for 8.2%, Tamil for 7.1%, and Gujarati for 6.4%, reflecting the diverse regional origins within the Indian subcontinent.
The Chinese community similarly encompasses multiple distinct languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, and numerous regional dialects, while Filipino communities primarily speak Tagalog and other Philippine languages. This linguistic diversity extends beyond heritage languages, with Statistics Canada reporting that over 450 ethnic or cultural origins were self-identified by Canadians, demonstrating the complexity of identity formation in a multicultural nation. Religious diversity closely correlates with ethnic diversity, particularly among racialized communities. While the Christian population numbered 19.3 million (53.3% of total population), this represents a decline from 67.3% in 2011 and 77.1% in 2001, reflecting both immigration from non-Christian regions and secularization trends.
Ontario exhibits the highest proportion of non-Christian religious affiliation at 16.3% of its population, including 6.7% Muslim and 4.1% Hindu, reflecting the province’s substantial South Asian and Middle Eastern populations. The Sikh population of 770,000 people is concentrated primarily in British Columbia, where 5.9% of the provincial population practices Sikhism, the highest proportion in Canada. The Buddhist population of 360,000 (1.0%) and Jewish population of 335,000 remain stable, while 34.6% of Canadians reported no religious affiliation nationally, with dramatic regional variations: 59.7% in Yukon and 52.1% in British Columbia claim no religious affiliation, compared to much lower rates in provinces with stronger historical religious traditions.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.