Canada’s population growth has slowed to its weakest pace in decades, according to new data from Statistics Canada.

As of July 1, 2025, the country’s population stood at an estimated 41.65 million, up just 47,098 people (0.1%) from April 1. Excluding the pandemic slump in 2020, this marks the slowest second-quarter growth since records began in 1946.

The modest increase came mainly from international migration, which added 33,694 people, while the natural increase (births minus deaths) contributed 13,404.

Looking at the year as a whole, from July 2024 to July 2025, Canada’s population grew by 0.9%, or 389,324 people. While still positive, this is far below the rapid expansion of recent years, when immigration surged to address labour shortages and fuel economic growth.

The numbers underscore a shifting demographic picture: slower immigration inflows, coupled with Canada’s aging population, are weighing on growth. For policymakers, the slowdown could signal upcoming challenges for the labour market, housing demand, and long-term economic vitality.