Quebec sees rare population decline as departures outpace arrivals
Posted March 19, 2026 3:15 pm.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, more people left Quebec than arrived, according to new data from the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
The decline is largely attributed to the departure of non-permanent residents. In 2025, more than 51,000 people in this category left the province than entered it.
The figures reflect a significant outflow of temporary foreign workers, international students and other permit holders, many of whom were no longer authorized to remain in the province.
The trend could continue into 2026, as a growing number of non-permanent residents reach the end of their permits without securing the approvals needed to stay.
Despite the decline, Statistics Canada estimates there were still just under 515,000 non-permanent residents living in Quebec in the first quarter of 2026. Overall, Quebec’s population saw a slight decrease in 2025, dropping by 10,000 people, according to federal data.
