Newly released Statistics Canada population tables show a clear reshaping of where Canadians are choosing to live, with some provinces seeing significant losses while others continue to surge. The latest confirmed data, covering July 2024 to July 2025, shows Manitoba recorded a net interprovincial loss of 950 people, meaning more residents moved out of the province than moved in. Manitoba’s pattern mirrors a broader Prairie trend, with Saskatchewan also posting a net loss over the same period.
Nationally, the biggest outflow came from Ontario, which saw tens of thousands of residents relocate to other provinces. Analysts point to housing affordability, job opportunities, and lifestyle changes as key drivers behind the shift. Many of those leaving Ontario headed west or to the Atlantic region, where lower costs and growing labour markets continue to attract new arrivals.
On the other side of the ledger, Alberta remains the country’s strongest magnet for interprovincial migration. The province once again led Canada in net inflows, continuing a multi‑year streak of population gains driven by employment growth and relative affordability. British Columbia followed as the second‑largest gainer, while Nova Scotia and New Brunswick also posted notable increases as Canadians continue to look east for lower housing costs and coastal quality of life.
StatsCan’s next demographic release is expected later this spring, offering a clearer picture of whether these migration patterns are accelerating or stabilizing. More details on Canadian population trends available here: The Daily — Canada’s population estimates, fourth quarter 2025
