Canada’s population trajectory in 2026 reflects the effects of the federal government’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which sharply cut new temporary resident arrivals to 385,000 from 673,650 the prior year while stabilizing permanent resident admissions near 380,000. Statistics Canada data show an initial 0.2 percent decline in early 2026 driven by net outflows of non-permanent residents, and Parliamentary Budget Officer projections anticipate flat overall growth for the year as temporary resident volumes are reduced toward the 5 percent target. These policy measures create the narrow trader edge for a net decline, though actual outcomes hinge on realized inflows, retention rates, and any mid-year adjustments to work or study permit programs.