At this CTV News link here:
Trump says Canada will be 51st state during campaign rally
"What The Latest Population Data Shows
Recent figures from Statistics Canada help explain why the government may feel the system is back under control.
Canada’s population reached an estimated 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026 – an increase of just 189,425 people, or 0.5 per cent, over the previous year. That was the smallest July-to-July increase since 1944/1945.
Other key figures include:
- 2,779,774 non-permanent residents, representing 6.7 per cent of the population
- A decline of 154,614 non-permanent residents from July 2025 – the largest July-to-July drop since 1971/1972
- 368,224 new permanent immigrants arriving in 2025/2026
- An average age of 42.1 years, with seniors now making up 20 per cent of the population
The temporary resident share has fallen from a peak of 7 per cent in October 2024, but remains above the government’s 5 per cent goal. You can read more in our coverage of how Canada’s population growth has slowed sharply as immigration levels fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Mark Carney announce an increase in immigration?
No. Carney said Canada’s immigration system is “back under control” and that the question now is when to pursue a “controlled increase” in the population. No new targets have been announced. Any changes will be set out in the next Immigration Levels Plan.
No. Carney said Canada’s immigration system is “back under control” and that the question now is when to pursue a “controlled increase” in the population. No new targets have been announced. Any changes will be set out in the next Immigration Levels Plan.
When will Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan be released?
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires the annual report to Parliament, which includes the levels plan, to be tabled on or before November 1. The next plan will cover 2027 to 2029
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires the annual report to Parliament, which includes the levels plan, to be tabled on or before November 1. The next plan will cover 2027 to 2029
How many permanent residents will Canada admit in 2026?
The current 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 permanent resident admissions in 2026, with a range of 350,000 to 420,000.
What share of Canada’s population are temporary residents?
According to Statistics Canada, there were 2,779,774 non-permanent residents on July 1, 2026, representing 6.7 per cent of the population. The government’s goal is to reduce this to less than 5 per cent by the end of 2027."
