After considering Canada’s evolving demographic landscape, Statistics Canada has forecast that by 2073, Canada could be home to over 63 million people according to their medium-growth scenario. These projections suggest that between 47.1 and 87.2 million people could be living in Canada in the next 50 years. However, the projections are not predictions.
Although fertility reached an all-time low in 2022 and life expectancy in Canada gradually decreased consecutively over three years, population growth has accelerated due to the many permanent and temporary immigrants entering the country.
How Canada’s Population Will Grow
Some provinces like Ontario and Quebec are expected to be the most populous over the next 25 years, while other territories like Newfoundland and Labrador will likely have decreased population growth within the same period. Overall, Canada’s population should experience a net population increase in the next 50 years.
The increase in immigrants has been apparent. Recently, the country’s total population surpassed the 41 million mark, from the 40 million recorded less than a year before. We can also continue expecting international migration to play a crucial role in Canada’s population growth while natural growth has a marginal role.
Immigrants, both permanent and non-permanent residents, will comprise workers, asylum seekers and students.
According to the figures, Canada’s population would increase as follows:
- Children aged 0 – 14 years: Steady decrease in population in all projected scenarios since a peak of 34% in 1962 and an estimated 15.4% in 2023.
- Ages 65 and older: Increase from 18.9% in 2023 to between 21.9% and 32.3% in 2073.
- Ages 85 years and older: Rapid increase in population, especially between 2031 and 2050.
