Canada Population by Province 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Canada Population by Province 2025

The demographic landscape of Canada continues to evolve significantly throughout 2025, presenting compelling patterns in population distribution and growth across its 10 provinces and 3 territories. As the nation navigates changing immigration policies and demographic shifts, understanding the current population dynamics becomes increasingly vital for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and residents alike. The latest verified data from Statistics Canada reveals that as of July 1, 2025, the country’s total population reached 41,651,653 people, marking a notable slowdown in growth compared to the unprecedented expansion witnessed in previous years. This represents a quarterly increase of just 47,098 people or 0.1% from April 2025, the lowest second-quarter growth rate since the pandemic-affected period of 2020.

The population distribution across Canadian provinces and territories remains highly concentrated, with Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia collectively housing approximately 60% of the nation’s residents. This geographic concentration continues a long-standing trend that has shaped Canada’s economic, political, and cultural landscape since Confederation. The year 2025 brings particularly significant changes, as federal government policies aimed at reducing temporary immigration have begun to impact population growth rates substantially. The number of non-permanent residents declined for the third consecutive quarter, dropping to 3,024,216 by July 2025, down from a peak of 3,149,131 in October 2024. These shifts have profound implications for labour markets, housing demands, healthcare systems, and provincial economies, making the Canada population by province 2025 statistics crucial for understanding the nation’s current trajectory.

Interesting Facts About Canada Population by Province in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01 (Population estimates, quarterly), Released September 24, 2025

Understanding Canada Population Distribution in 2025

The geographical concentration of Canada’s population remains one of the nation’s most defining demographic characteristics throughout 2025. Despite being the world’s second-largest country by total area, spanning approximately 9.98 million square kilometers, the vast majority of Canadians reside within 300 kilometers of the southern border with the United States. This pattern has intensified over recent decades, with urban centers experiencing consistent growth while rural and remote regions face ongoing demographic challenges. The Windsor-Quebec City corridor continues to serve as the demographic and economic heartland, containing millions of residents across southern Ontario and Quebec.

Western Canada maintains substantial population centers, with British Columbia’s coastal region and Alberta’s major cities attracting significant numbers of both domestic migrants and international newcomers. However, the 2025 data reveals shifting patterns, particularly regarding temporary residents and interprovincial migration flows. The federal government’s announcement in 2024 to reduce levels of both temporary and permanent immigration has begun manifesting in quarterly population figures. The second quarter of 2025 witnessed the lowest growth rate in over 75 years for that period, excluding the pandemic-affected quarters, signaling a significant policy-driven demographic transition that will shape provincial populations throughout the remainder of the decade.

Ontario Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01; Ontario Ministry of Finance, Q1 2025 Demographic Report

Ontario continues to hold its position as Canada’s most populous province with an estimated population exceeding 16 million residents as of mid-2025. However, the province experienced an unprecedented demographic shift during the first quarter of 2025, recording its first quarterly population decline since the third quarter of 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease of 5,664 residents between January and April 2025 marked a significant departure from the province’s typical growth trajectory, which had added 89,204 people during the same period in 2024. This reversal stems primarily from the substantial reduction in non-permanent residents, particularly international students, whose numbers declined by over 30,000 in the first quarter alone.

The twelve-month period ending April 1, 2025, saw Ontario’s population grow by just 143,394 residents, representing an annual increase of merely 0.9%—the third-slowest growth rate among all provinces, surpassing only Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. This stands in stark contrast to the previous year when Ontario’s population surged by 555,296 people or 3.6%, highlighting the dramatic impact of federal immigration policy changes. The province’s demographic challenges extend beyond temporary resident reductions. Ontario experienced a net interprovincial migration loss of 6,154 people during the second quarter of 2025, continuing a troubling trend that began in the first quarter of 2020. The majority of departing residents relocated to Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, seeking more affordable housing and enhanced economic opportunities. Despite these outflows, Ontario remains the economic engine of Canada, housing the nation’s largest city Toronto and the capital Ottawa, with its diverse economy spanning finance, technology, manufacturing, and services sectors that continue attracting global talent.

Quebec Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01; Institut de la statistique du Québec

Quebec maintains its status as Canada’s second-most populous province with an estimated 9.058 million residents as of July 2025, accounting for approximately 21.7% of the national population. The province experienced positive population growth during the second quarter of 2025, adding 17,174 residents and achieving the second-highest absolute growth among all provinces, trailing only Alberta. This performance demonstrates Quebec’s resilience amid national demographic slowdowns, attributed to its established immigration programs and unique cultural appeal. The province has historically maintained special immigration agreements with the federal government, including the 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord, which guarantees Quebec immigration rates proportional to its demographic weight in Canada, though actual outcomes have varied from this target.

Quebec’s demographic composition continues to evolve throughout 2025, with the French-speaking majority maintaining its cultural prominence while the province becomes increasingly diverse through immigration. Approximately 78% of residents speak French as their primary language, while 7.7% speak English, with growing communities of Arabic, Spanish, and Italian speakers reflecting recent immigration patterns. The province witnessed significant increases in asylum claimants and protected persons, with 4,523 additions during the second quarter of 2025 alone, contributing to a 14th consecutive quarter of growth in this category. The Montreal metropolitan area continues serving as the primary destination for new arrivals, hosting the majority of the province’s immigrant population and offering vibrant multicultural neighborhoods. Quebec’s population growth rate, while positive, remains below historical levels due to declining fertility rates and the impacts of federal immigration reductions affecting temporary residents. The province recorded approximately 1.38 children per woman in recent years, above the Canadian average but well below replacement level, necessitating continued immigration to maintain population growth and support economic expansion.

British Columbia Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01, July 2025 Population Estimates

British Columbia, traditionally one of Canada’s fastest-growing provinces, experienced an unexpected demographic reversal during 2025, becoming the only province or territory to record a population decline in the second quarter. The province lost 2,154 residents between April and July 2025, a larger decline than the 299-person decrease witnessed during the first quarter. This marks a significant departure from British Columbia’s historical growth pattern, which had made it one of the nation’s most attractive destinations for both domestic migrants and international newcomers. The province’s population is estimated at approximately 5.7 million residents as of mid-2025, representing roughly 13.7% of Canada’s total population.

The decline stems primarily from a massive reduction in non-permanent residents, with the province losing 14,699 temporary residents during the second quarter alone. This decrease predominantly affected international students and temporary workers, reflecting the federal government’s policy changes implemented throughout 2024 and 2025 to reduce the number of study and work permits. Despite these losses, British Columbia continues attracting permanent immigrants, welcoming 12,740 newcomers during the second quarter, and experiencing positive interprovincial migration with a net gain of 1,678 residents from other provinces. However, these gains proved insufficient to offset the temporary resident exodus and net emigration of 2,683 people. The province’s natural increase of 810 people (births minus deaths) provides minimal cushion against these demographic headwinds. British Columbia’s major urban centers, including Vancouver, Victoria, and Surrey, remain attractive for their mild coastal climate, economic opportunities in technology and natural resources, and multicultural communities, but housing affordability challenges continue driving some residents to seek opportunities in more affordable provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Alberta Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01; Provincial Government Reports

Alberta continues its position as Canada’s demographic growth leader throughout 2025, recording the highest absolute population increase among all provinces during the second quarter with an addition of 19,268 residents. This growth brought the province’s total population to 5,029,346 people as of July 1, 2025, solidifying its status as Canada’s fourth-most populous province. However, the 2025 figures reveal a significant deceleration from the explosive growth witnessed during 2023 and 2024, when quarterly increases regularly exceeded 45,000 people, with the third quarter of 2023 alone adding a remarkable 63,597 residents. The current quarterly gain represents the smallest increase since the first quarter of 2022, signaling that Alberta’s growth surge may be moderating.

The composition of Alberta’s population growth in 2025 demonstrates a more balanced mix of sources compared to previous years. Immigration contributed 7,720 new residents in the second quarter, accounting for 40% of total growth, though this represents the lowest quarterly immigrant intake in four years. Interprovincial migration added 6,187 people, representing 32% of growth and marking the 12th consecutive quarter that Alberta achieved net gains from exchanges with other provinces and territories—an unprecedented streak demonstrating the province’s sustained appeal to Canadians seeking economic opportunities and affordable housing. Natural increase (births minus deaths) contributed 5,361 residents, comprising 28% of growth and reflecting Alberta’s relatively younger demographic profile compared to eastern provinces. The province successfully attracted migrants from every other province and territory, with the most significant inflows originating from Ontario and British Columbia, as residents departed high-cost urban centers for Alberta’s more affordable housing markets and robust job opportunities in energy, technology, and construction sectors. Major cities Calgary and Edmonton continue anchoring this growth, though smaller centers throughout the province also benefit from the demographic expansion.

Manitoba Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01; Provincial Reports

Manitoba achieved a significant demographic milestone during 2025, recording its first quarterly net gain from interprovincial migration since the first quarter of 2004—a gap of over 21 years. The province gained 106 more residents from other provinces than it lost during the second quarter of 2025, breaking a prolonged pattern of net interprovincial losses that had characterized Manitoba’s demographic profile for two decades. This achievement signals potential shifts in migration patterns as Canadians increasingly seek affordable housing and stable employment opportunities beyond traditional destination provinces. Manitoba’s total population stands at approximately 1.49 million residents as of mid-2025, representing roughly 3.6% of Canada’s total population.

Manitoba’s population growth throughout 2025 reflects a diversified strategy combining international immigration, natural increase, and the newly positive interprovincial migration. The province has actively promoted its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows Manitoba to select immigrants with skills needed in the local economy, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. The capital city Winnipeg hosts the majority of the province’s population and serves as the primary destination for newcomers, offering multicultural communities, affordable housing compared to Toronto or Vancouver, and growing economic sectors. Manitoba’s natural increase remains positive, with births exceeding deaths, supported by the province’s relatively younger immigrant population and established family-oriented communities. While the province experienced temporary declines in non-permanent residents during 2024 due to federal policy changes, Manitoba’s combination of economic opportunities, lower cost of living, and active immigrant settlement services positions it favorably for sustained population growth throughout the remainder of the decade.

Saskatchewan Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01

Saskatchewan continues navigating demographic challenges throughout 2025 with a population estimated at approximately 1.25 million residents, representing about 3.0% of Canada’s total population. The province achieved a notable improvement in interprovincial migration patterns during the second quarter of 2025, recording its smallest net loss of residents to other provinces since the third quarter of 2013. Saskatchewan lost just 152 residents on a net basis to interprovincial migration during Q2 2025, a significant improvement from larger outflows witnessed in recent years. This development suggests Saskatchewan’s economic conditions and quality of life factors are becoming more competitive in retaining existing residents and potentially attracting domestic migrants.

Saskatchewan’s demographic growth strategy relies heavily on international immigration, particularly through its highly successful Provincial Nominee Program, which targets skilled workers and entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the province’s agriculture-based and resource-extraction economy. The province’s two major cities, Regina (the capital) and Saskatoon, serve as primary destinations for newcomers, offering employment opportunities, affordable housing, and growing multicultural communities. Saskatchewan faces ongoing challenges related to population aging and youth out-migration, as younger residents frequently relocate to larger urban centers in Alberta, British Columbia, or Ontario for education and career advancement. The province’s natural increase remains slightly positive but minimal, as Saskatchewan’s aging demographic profile sees deaths increasingly offsetting births. Despite these headwinds, Saskatchewan maintains steady modest growth through immigration, with recent quarters seeing positive overall population changes driven primarily by international arrivals rather than natural increase or domestic migration.

Atlantic Provinces Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Tables 17-10-0009-01, Provincial Government Reports

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador’s population reached 549,911 residents as of July 1, 2025, recording modest growth of 455 people during the second quarter, representing a +0.1% quarterly increase. The province achieved its fifth consecutive year of net interprovincial in-migration with a gain of 270 residents in Q2 2025, primarily from Ontario (+306), though it experienced losses to Quebec (-145). International migration contributed 853 people, driven by a record 1,154 permanent immigrants, partially offset by a decline of 266 non-permanent residents. Notably, Newfoundland and Labrador has become Canada’s oldest province demographically, with 25.2% of residents aged 65 and older—the first time any Canadian province or territory surpassed the 25% threshold. The province’s births-to-deaths ratio of 0.5 represents the lowest among all provinces, with natural population change recording 668 more deaths than births in Q2 2025, highlighting the profound impacts of population aging.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island achieved the fastest provincial growth rate in Canada during Q2 2025, adding 1,368 residents for a remarkable +0.8% quarterly increase. The province’s total population is estimated at approximately 180,000 residents as of mid-2025. Despite being Canada’s smallest province by both population and land area, PEI continues attracting newcomers through affordable housing (relative to larger provinces), quality of life advantages, scenic coastal landscapes, and active immigration programs targeting skilled workers and entrepreneurs. The province’s growth stems from both international immigration and small but positive interprovincial migration flows, as Atlantic Canadians and residents from larger provinces seek PEI’s relaxed pace of life and strong community connections.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s population stands at approximately 1.04 million residents as of July 2025, maintaining positive growth through the second quarter. The province experienced an annual growth rate of 0.8% in the 12 months to April 2025—below the national average but representing substantial gains for an Atlantic province. Nova Scotia has successfully attracted interprovincial migrants in recent years, with net gains of 2,252 people in the 2023-2024 period, as residents from Ontario and other provinces discovered the appeal of Halifax and surrounding areas, seeking affordable housing and coastal living.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s population reached approximately 835,000 residents by July 2025, recording positive quarterly growth driven by both immigration and interprovincial migration. The province gained 2,803 residents from other provinces during the 2023-2024 period, continuing its attractiveness to domestic migrants. As Canada’s only officially bilingual province, New Brunswick offers unique cultural characteristics, with both English and French-speaking communities. The province benefits from lower housing costs compared to major urban centers, family-friendly communities, and proximity to larger markets in Quebec and New England.

Northern Territories Population in 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0009-01

Canada’s three northern territories collectively account for less than 135,000 people or approximately 0.3% of the national population, despite comprising over one-third of Canada’s total land area. These vast, remote regions face unique demographic challenges including harsh climates, geographic isolation, high living costs, and limited economic opportunities outside resource extraction and government services. However, 2025 data reveals sustained modest population growth across all three territories.

Northwest Territories

The Northwest Territories recorded 168 new residents during the second quarter of 2025, achieving a +0.4% growth rate that ranked fourth-fastest nationally alongside Alberta and Nunavut. The territory’s population stands at approximately 46,000 residents, with the capital Yellowknife hosting nearly half. The territory’s economy revolves around diamond mining, oil and gas development, and government services, attracting workers during resource booms while experiencing population declines during downturns.

Nunavut

Nunavut, Canada’s newest territory (established 1999) and largest by area, maintains a population of approximately 41,500 residents as of July 2025. The territory added 158 people during Q2 2025, matching the +0.4% growth rate of the Northwest Territories. Nunavut possesses Canada’s youngest population, with a median age of just 27.1 years and only 5.2% of residents aged 65 or older—dramatically different from southern provinces. The predominately Inuit population maintains strong cultural traditions while adapting to modern economic realities. Natural increase (births minus deaths) remains strongly positive given the young demographic profile, though the territory faces challenges including limited infrastructure, extreme climate conditions, high unemployment, and housing shortages.

Yukon

Yukon’s population stands at approximately 45,000 residents as of mid-2025, with modest positive growth continuing throughout the year. The capital Whitehorse houses roughly 75% of territorial residents. Yukon’s economy blends resource extraction (mining, forestry), tourism (leveraging spectacular wilderness landscapes), and government services. The territory attracts adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking alternative lifestyles away from southern urban centers, though harsh winters and isolation limit broader population growth.

Immigration and Non-Permanent Residents in Canada 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Immigration dynamics underwent dramatic transformation throughout 2025, fundamentally altering Canada’s population growth trajectory. The federal government’s announcement in 2024 to substantially reduce both temporary and permanent immigration levels manifested in sharply declining non-permanent resident numbers throughout 2025. The country welcomed 103,507 permanent immigrants during the second quarter of 2025, representing a 22.9% year-over-year decrease compared to Q2 2024 when 134,172 newcomers arrived. Despite this reduction, quarterly intake remains aligned with the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan targeting approximately 465,000 permanent immigrants annually—still historically elevated but substantially below the million-plus annual arrivals (including temporary residents) witnessed during 2022-2024.

Non-permanent residents—comprising international students, temporary workers, and asylum claimants—numbered 3,024,216 people as of July 1, 2025, representing 7.3% of Canada’s total population. This marked the third consecutive quarterly decline after peaking at 3,149,131 residents (7.6% of population) in October 2024. The second quarter alone saw 58,719 fewer temporary residents, the largest second-quarter decrease in years excluding pandemic-affected 2020. Study permit holders experienced the sharpest reductions, declining by 32,025 people during Q2 2025 as federal caps on international student admissions took effect. Work permit holders dropped by 19,637, reflecting tightened labor market impact assessments. Conversely, asylum claimants, protected persons, and related groups increased by 17,901, continuing growth for the 14th consecutive quarter to reach a record 497,443 people. Ontario and Quebec absorbed most asylum claimant increases, adding 8,177 and 4,523 respectively during Q2 2025. These shifting immigration patterns will profoundly impact provincial labor markets, housing demands, educational institutions, and healthcare systems throughout the remainder of the decade.

Interprovincial Migration Patterns in Canada 2025

Data Source: Statistics Canada, Table 17-10-0045-01

In 2025, interprovincial migration patterns in Canada highlight a continued shift of population towards western provinces, particularly Alberta and British Columbia. Alberta recorded the highest net gain of +6,187 people in Q2 2025, marking its 12th consecutive quarter of positive migration, driven by strong employment opportunities, affordable housing, and a growing energy and technology sector. British Columbia also experienced a net gain of +1,678 people, maintaining its position as a top destination for domestic migrants due to its mild climate and quality of life.

Conversely, Ontario experienced a net loss of -6,154 people, continuing a 15-quarter streak of outmigration, as residents move to more affordable provinces. Quebec saw a modest net gain, largely attracting migrants from Ontario, while Manitoba achieved its first positive net migration (+106 people) since 2004, signaling a potential turnaround in population retention. Saskatchewan’s loss of -152 people was its smallest since 2013, suggesting stabilization, and the Atlantic provinces collectively recorded positive gains, reflecting an ongoing trend of growth fueled by remote work opportunities and regional development initiatives.

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.

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