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2025-12-18 01:46:43
[Canada's population declines for the first time since the pandemic in the third quarter, with immigration policy adjustments being the main reason] (1) Statistics Canada released data on December 17 showing that the country's population decreased by 76,068 people in the third quarter of this year (July 1 to October 1), a drop of 0.2%, bringing the total population down to 41.58 billion. This is the first quarterly population decline since border restrictions were implemented due to the pandemic in 2020. (2) It is worth noting that the third quarter is usually a season of strong population growth in Canada. Compared with the significant growth in the same period in 2023 and 2024, this decline is a stark contrast. Since the beginning of this year, Canada's population growth has been almost stagnant, with an increase of only 1,068 people. (3) The main reason for the population decline is the sharp decrease of 176,479 non-permanent residents, the largest drop since records began in 1971. Among them, the number of student visa holders decreased by 73,682, and all provinces and territories showed a downward trend. This change stems from the federal government’s adjustment of its immigration policy. Previously, the surge in immigration had put pressure on housing, healthcare and other areas. The government plans to reduce the number of temporary immigrants by more than 40% in 2026-2027. (4) Economists point out that this demographic adjustment will have a chain reaction on the rental market, inflation and employment.
