Alberta had Canada’s fastest population growth between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026, with its population rising 1.5 per cent, Statistics Canada reported. That was more than three times the national growth rate of 0.5 per cent. Growth in every province was slower than during the same period a year earlier, from July 2024 to July 2025.

New Brunswick and Saskatchewan each recorded growth of one per cent. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia grew by 0.8 per cent, while Manitoba’s population increased by 0.6 per cent.

The populations of Canada’s three largest provinces grew below the national rate. Ontario rose by 0.3 per cent, Quebec by 0.2 per cent and British Columbia by 0.1 per cent. Statistics Canada said Ontario, Quebec and B.C. typically receive the largest share of international migrants, so changes in international migration levels affect them more.

The Northwest Territories was the only province or territory to lose population during the period. Its population declined by 127 people, a drop of 0.3 per cent. Statistics Canada reported that population growth had slowed across every province compared with July 2024 to July 2025.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.