Canada’s population has officially surpassed 41 million, reaching 41,012,563 as of April 1, 2024, according to Statistics Canada. This milestone was achieved less than a year after hitting the 40 million mark on June 16, 2023. The first quarter saw a 0.6% increase, adding 242,673 people.
International migration was the main driver, accounting for 99.3% of the growth. Canada welcomed 121,758 permanent immigrants from January to March, aligning with the target of bringing in 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and aiming for 500,000 in 2025 and 2026. Notably, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island saw the highest immigrant growth since comparable records began in 1971, reflecting the demand for skilled workers in these regions.
Alberta saw the highest gain in interprovincial migration, followed by New Brunswick and Yukon. The biggest contributors to Alberta’s net gain were individuals relocating from Ontario and British Columbia. This marked the 11th consecutive quarter of net gains for Alberta.
Temporary immigration also remains high, with 131,810 non-permanent residents added in the first quarter. However, this growth is slowing compared to the record highs of the second and third quarters of 2023. According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the federal government plans to reduce the temporary resident population by 5% over the next three years.
