On April 1, 2024, Canada’s population exceeded 41 million, largely due to a combination of permanent and temporary immigration. The country’s population increased by 1 million in under a year. In June 2023, the population of the country reached 40 million. During the first quarter of 2024, Canada experienced significant growth with an increase of 242,673 people, marking a 0.6% rise in just three months.
In the second quarter of 2024, Canada’s population reached 41,012,563, continuing its upward trend from the first quarter of 2024. Ontario remained the most populous province with 15,996,989 residents, followed by Quebec with 9,030,684. British Columbia and Alberta also showed significant population increases, reaching 5,646,467 and 4,849,906 respectively. Other provinces and territories experienced steady growth, contributing to the overall increase in the national population. Given that this growth rate aligns with previous quarters, Canada’s demographic expansion is ongoing, with a real-time population clock currently displaying a total of 41,326,090 residents.
Immigration played an important role in the population growth this quarter, accounting for a remarkable 99.3% of the increase—equivalent to 240,955 people, both permanent and temporary. Permanent immigration, a significant part of Canada’s expansion strategy, brought in 121,758 new residents in the first quarter of 2024. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims for an annual permanent immigration target of 485,000 for 2024, underscoring Canada’s strong appeal to immigrants.
The Maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia experienced their highest quarterly immigration numbers since 1971, highlighting a growing need for skilled workers in these areas.
While temporary immigration has increased, it appears to be tapering off from its peak levels in previous quarters. The net rise in non-permanent residents (NPRs) is lower than in past record-breaking periods, indicating that this demographic trend might be stabilizing. Canada has set a limit on the number of international students permitted to enter the country each year and will announce for the first time, the target for annual temporary residents in November 2024.
Alberta emerged as a major beneficiary of interprovincial migration, showing different patterns of movement across the country. The province saw a net gain of 12,482 people, primarily from British Columbia and Ontario, highlighting its appeal to those seeking economic opportunities.
Conversely, Ontario experienced its 17th consecutive quarter of net losses in interprovincial migration, underscoring the ongoing population shifts as provinces compete to attract and retain residents amid changing economic landscapes.
Despite these interprovincial shifts, Canada is well-positioned for growth driven by immigration, as the population nears 41 million. This demographic change not only impacts economic conditions but also reinforces Canada’s status as a global magnet for diversity and talent.
