For the first time in recent history, Canada's population fell by 76,068 people during the third quarter of 2025, bringing the total to 41.58 million by October 1. Statistics Canada attributes this 0.2% decline primarily to a significant reduction in non-permanent residents, driven by updated immigration policies and record-high permit expirations. Ontario and British Columbia experienced the steepest drops, while only Alberta and Nunavut saw modest growth. The decrease marks a stark contrast to the third quarter of 2023, when Canada posted its strongest population growth in over six decades. Study permit holders accounted for the largest share of departures.