This would be the second year in a row with zero population growth in Canada, which follows several years of above-average growth, including the record-breaking years of 2022 and 2023. Statistics Canada data shows immigration-driven population growth in 2023 of 1.2 million people, with a combination of permanent and non-permanent arrivals. WATCH | Canada cutting temporary permanent resident admissions: Canada to cut temporary resident target by 43% in 2026 | Duration 1:28 The federal government is slashing the number of temporary residents it allows into Canada over the next few years. The PBO predicts the non-permanent resident population will decline by 385,000 this year, and by another 289,000 people in 2027. The remaining decline projection is based on a combination of some student visa holders leaving and people becoming permanent residents.

Source: CBC News February 27, 2026 14:54 UTC