# Canadian demographic and population trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-demographic-and-population-trends
> Updated: 2026-09-29T20:04:04.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Canada is experiencing significant demographic shifts characterized by record-low fertility rates and a substantial slowdown in population growth.

Statistics Canada reported that the fertility rate remained at an all-time low of 1.26 children per woman in 2025. This trend is accompanied by a rising average age of mothers at childbirth, which reached 31.9 years. 

By mid-2026, the country’s population growth reached its weakest rate since 1915-16, increasing by only 0.5 per cent to 41.8 million. This deceleration is primarily attributed to a reduction in non-permanent residents, such as international students and temporary foreign workers, alongside a four-year decline in permanent immigration. 

In response, the federal government has set targets to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5 per cent of the population by the end of next year, while aiming for controlled levels of permanent resident admissions.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Canada population growth hits lowest rate in over a century

Canada's population growth has hit its lowest rate since 1915-16 due to a sharp decline in non-permanent residents and lower immigration targets.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-population-growth-hits-lowest-rate-in-over-a-century

### 2026-09-23: Canada fertility rate remains at all-time low

Statistics Canada reports that the 2025 fertility rate remained at an all-time low of 1.26 children per woman, while the average age of mothers giving birth reached a new high of 31.9 years.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-fertility-rate-remains-at-all-time-low

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Cite as: Canadian demographic and population trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-demographic-and-population-trends