Population of Canada
(Real-Time Model)
Fetching Data...
Population Change Since Midnight
Fetching Data...
Addressing the recent election coverage regarding Century Initiative
Read announcementCentury Initiative is a national, non-partisan movement shaping a bigger, bolder Canada. We believe prosperity takes planning—and that smart population growth is key to ensuring a strong, vibrant, and resilient country for future generations.
Learn more about us
1. Our population is aging, and birth rates are at historic lows
2. Labour shortages are growing in essential sectors
3. Rural communities are shrinking, while housing and affordability pressures grow
4. Global competition is accelerating, and geopolitical uncertainty is on the rise
Without long-term planning, these challenges will impact our ability to deliver the quality of life Canadians expect—and to remain economically competitive on the world stage.
Canada’s future prosperity and independence are not guaranteed. In a rapidly changing world, our sovereignty is increasingly shaped by global forces—demographic pressures, trade disruptions, rising disinformation, and shifts in political discourse.
Recent developments have revealed real vulnerabilities:
1. Protectionist trade policies and new tariffs
2. Stricter immigration enforcement and increased asylum claims
3. A rise in anti-immigration rhetoric and public polarization
4. Disinformation campaigns influencing public opinion and trust
Century Initiative exists to strengthen Canada’s long-term resilience. By promoting smart, responsible population growth, we help ensure Canada has the people, talent, and planning in place to remain strong, independent, and prosperous.
Planning for the future isn’t optional—it’s essential to protecting Canada’s voice, values, and place in the world.
“We see growth not as a problem to manage, but an opportunity to seize.”
We envision a future where Canada continues to be a leader in quality of life, innovation, and global influence. Achieving that vision means:
The world is changing at an incredibly rapid pace, and Canada is falling behind. We’re on track for a 53% decline in annual real GDP growth, and our population will only be 53 million by the year 2100. This puts us outside of the top 45 countries and in a precarious position: an aging population, an endangered infrastructure, and diminished international clout.
100 million isn’t an arbitrary number. It’s the population we need for Canada to remain a prosperous and diverse society with relevance on the international stage.
Population of Canada
(Real-Time Model)
Population Change Since Midnight
Advocate for a big and bold vision for Canada – and the policies and priorities that will create the conditions for Canada to thrive and grow well into the future.
Educate Canadians about the importance of smart population growth, and about the need to ensure the benefits of growth are widely shared.
Partner with researchers and practitioners to fill the relevant policy and program gaps, and to inform decision-making.
Convene stakeholders from across sectors to generate knowledge, inform policy, and raise awareness of our vision and mission for Canada.
Advocate for a big and bold vision for Canada – and the policies and priorities that will create the conditions for Canada to thrive and grow well into the future.
Educate Canadians about the importance of smart population growth, and about the need to ensure the benefits of growth are widely shared.
Partner with researchers and practitioners to fill the relevant policy and program gaps, and to inform decision-making.
Convene stakeholders from across sectors to generate knowledge, inform policy, and raise awareness of our vision and mission for Canada.
Produce an annual National Scorecard that tracks progress on growth and prosperity.
Develop and share research and policy recommendations grounded in evidence.
Lead public engagement efforts that build understanding and support for long-term planning.
Host national and regional events, convening experts and leaders from across sectors to generate practical solutions
In 2014, a group of influential Canadian leaders came together with a bold vision: to champion long-term thinking and planning that would shape Canada’s future for the next century. Recognizing the demographic, economic, and security challenges on the horizon, they founded Century Initiative—a non-partisan movement dedicated to fostering a prosperous, resilient, and globally influential Canada for generations to come.
While our goal of reaching 100 million people by 2100 is often cited, our focus has always been on what that growth enables—economic strength, innovation, and a high quality of life for all. In an era of increasing global competition and uncertainty, long-term population planning is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity for safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty and securing its place on the world stage.
As we move further into the 21st century, Canada’s sovereignty, security, and economic resilience are under threat. To remain strong and independent, Canada must adopt a growth-oriented mindset—one that prioritizes smart policies, innovation, and responsible population planning. Century Initiative is committed to leading this conversation and ensuring a secure, prosperous future for generations to come.
Through Century Initiative’s research, convening, and outreach we have helped advance:
Stay up to date on what Century Initiative is up to, and the latest news in Canada
