Canada's urban growth stalls as immigration policy shifts take effect

Statistics Canada reports that population growth in major urban centres slowed dramatically between July 2024 and July 2025, marking a significant shift from recent trends. Canada's 41 census metropolitan areas grew by just 1.0%, down sharply from 3.5% the previous year. The decline stems primarily from a reduction in the number of non-permanent residents following new federal immigration policies. Toronto saw virtually no population change, while Montreal and Vancouver experienced minimal growth. Meanwhile, Edmonton, Moncton, and Calgary maintained stronger expansion rates near 3%. Permanent immigration has now overtaken temporary residents as the primary growth driver, with newcomers increasingly choosing smaller cities over traditional hubs such as Toronto and Montreal.

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