Canada’s population grew at slowest pace since pandemic in fourth quarter | U.S. & World [Video]

By Promit Mukherjee

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada’s population in the fourth quarter increased at the slowest pace since the pandemic, data showed on Wednesday, as a government crackdown on immigration announced last year takes shape.

Its population in the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose by 0.2% to 41.53 million people and marked the slowest growth rate since the fourth quarter of 2020 when it grew by 0.1%, Statistics Canada said.

The moderate pace was primarily led by a reduced number of non-permanent residents.

Canada had been welcoming of migrants, but immigration contributed to an affordability and housing crisis last year.

Facing growing discontent, late last year former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced measures expected to result in a population decline of 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026.

The new plan is set to bring in 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027, down from 485,000 in 2024.

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