Canada's population shrinks as lower immigration rates take hold

FIRST READING: Immigration rates still at generational highs, even if population shrinking

Canada's population fell 180,000 in 9 months despite permanent immigration at 110-year highs: 525k asylum-seekers (up 3x in 4 years) and 330k permanent residents projected for 2026. Volatile policy and record asylum surge create talent acquisition uncertainty and wage pressure for tech teams.