Canada’s population growth has hit its slowest pace since the pandemic, and new data from Statistics Canada points to a clear shift: more people are leaving the country, while fewer are arriving.

According to StatCan, 27,086 citizens and permanent residents emigrated from Canada between January and March 2025 — a modest increase over the same period in each of the past three years. Though still below the 2017 peak of over 31,000 in a single quarter, the trend has been steadily climbing since the pandemic’s lows in 2020.

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At the same time, immigration is down. The country admitted just over 104,000 immigrants in the first quarter of 2025 — the lowest Q1 total in four years, as new federal targets aim to reduce intake and “ensure sustainable growth.”

Together, these trends are reshaping Canada’s population trajectory. The first quarter of 2025 saw population growth slow to just 20,107 people, marking the smallest gain since the height of the pandemic.

Who’s Leaving — And Why

While emigration includes citizens and permanent residents who move away permanently, data shows that certain groups are more likely to leave than others. A recent StatCan report found:

• Immigrants from Taiwan, the U.S., France, Hong Kong, and Lebanon are more likely to emigrate.

• Those from the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Jamaica are less likely to leave.

• Having children reduces the likelihood of emigration, especially among those 65 and older.

• Investor and entrepreneur immigrants are more likely to leave; caregivers and refugees are more likely to stay.

• Higher education correlates with higher emigration rates, particularly among former international students.

Why do people leave? The reasons are varied — from economic challenges and lack of job opportunities to personal factors like family changes or even climate. For some, moving away is part of a broader migration strategy that includes multiple homes or eventual return to their country of origin.

Immigration Trends Reverse Course

After a post-pandemic surge, immigration has slowed due to a policy shift by the federal government. Originally set to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025, Ottawa has since scaled that back to 395,000 in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026, citing a need for sustainable growth.

These reduced targets are already having an effect. Every province and territory — except Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut — saw fewer newcomers in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.

Temporary Residents and Asylum Seekers

As of April 1, 2025, Canada had nearly 3 million non-permanent residents, including workers, students, and asylum seekers. That number accounts for 7.1% of the population, down slightly from 7.4% in late 2024.

Interestingly, the number of study permit holders dropped sharply — especially in Ontario and B.C. — while the number of asylum claimants hit an all-time high, reaching 470,029 after 13 straight quarters of growth.

The Bottom Line

Whether driven by personal choice, economic conditions, or policy decisions, Canada’s population trends are shifting fast. With more people leaving and fewer arriving, the country’s once-robust growth has begun to plateau — raising important questions about the future of immigration, workforce development, and national identity.

As the federal government recalibrates its immigration strategy, all eyes will be on whether these trends continue — or reverse — in the years to come.