17.24°C Vancouver

Jun 24, 2024 7:03 PM - The Canadian Press

Canada's population forecast to reach 63 million, as people over 85 set to triple

Share On
canadas-population-forecast-to-reach-63-million-as-people-over-85-set-to-triple
It says the population will rise from about 40 million in 2023 to a range of 47 million to 87 million over the next half a century, with 63 million being the medium-growth forecast.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

New projections by Statistics Canada suggest the nation's population could reach 63 million by 2073, with the number of people aged 85 or older set to triple.

The agency says migration will be the key driver of population increase under all scenarios, while natural growth only plays a "marginal role" as the population ages and fertility rates remain low.

It says the population will rise from about 40 million in 2023 to a range of 47 million to 87 million over the next half a century, with 63 million being the medium-growth forecast.

The population of people aged 85 and over would increase from 896,600 people in 2023 to between 3.3 million and 4.3 million by 2073.

The agency forecasts the populations of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec to decrease as a proportion of Canada's total population until 2048, under almost all scenarios.

Every scenario meanwhile predicts Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia to increase their share of the nation's population.

Latest news

IndiaJul 27, 2026

Punjab sanitation workers end strike after agreement with government

Sanitation workers in Punjab have announced an end to their strike after reaching an agreement with the Punjab government over their long-pending demands. The decision follows a series of measures announced by the state government, including a substantial increase in monthly wages for sanitation employees. According to the Punjab government, sanitation workers who were previously receiving a monthly salary of ₹10,500 will now receive ₹20,500. The revised wages will be paid from Aug. 1 to sanitation workers and sewermen employed on a contractual basis. The government also announced the form
gunfire-damages-u-s-consulate-building-in-toronto
CanadaJul 27, 2026

Gunfire damages U.S. Consulate building in Toronto

The U.S. Consulate at the intersection of University Avenue and Armoury Street in downtown Toronto was struck by gunfire early Monday morning, according to Toronto Police. No injuries were reported. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the shooting occurred at approximately 4:45 a.m. while police officers were already present in the area. Investigators confirmed that at least one bullet struck the front of the consulate building. Police said the suspect fled the scene in a white Honda Accord sedan without licence plates. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle but discontinued the chase out of concern
BCJul 27, 2026

Man dies after police-involved shooting in Abbotsford

A man has died following a police-involved shooting in Abbotsford early Monday morning, according to the Abbotsford Police Department. Sgt. Paul Walker said the incident occurred at the Petro-Pass truck stop in the Matsqui Place area near the Trans-Canada Highway. Police said the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle after officers discharged their firearms. The vehicle was later located several kilometres away near 272 Street and 30 Avenue in the Aldergrove area, where the man was found dead inside. According to Abbotsford Police, the Independent Investigations Office of British Columbia (IIO)
pear-lake-and-fifteenmile-creek-wildfires-merge-as-evacuation-orders-expand-near-clinton-b-c
BCJul 27, 2026

Pear Lake and Fifteenmile Creek wildfires merge as evacuation orders expand near Clinton, B.C.

Two major wildfires burning near Clinton, B.C. have merged, increasing the combined fire area to approximately 670 square kilometres, according to the BC Wildfire Service. Officials say the merged Pear Lake and Fifteenmile Creek wildfires have damaged homes and other structures on the outskirts of the Clinton community. The full extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed. BC Wildfire Service Fire Information Officer Shae Stearns said firefighters continue working to protect homes in Clinton as crews respond to the fast-moving wildfire. Residents of Clinton were placed under an evacuation
alberta-premier-promises-changes-to-amber-alert-system-after-parker-wells-case
AlbertaJul 27, 2026

Alberta premier promises changes to Amber Alert system after Parker Wells case

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province will make changes to its Amber Alert system following the disappearance of 11-year-old Parker Wells, whose case has raised questions about how quickly alerts are issued. Parker Wells, who has autism, went missing on July 16. According to provincial officials, his case did not initially meet the existing criteria for an Amber Alert. Smith said an alert was issued as soon as the Calgary Police Service requested one. Smith said the provincial government plans to introduce legislative changes during the fall session that would give local police grea

Related News