Immigration Announcement
Quebec’s Population Growth Driven by Immigration Amid Record-Low Fertility in 2024
Quebec’s population hit a historic 9.1 million in January 2025. But this growth comes with a twist — it wasn’t due to more births, but almost entirely because of immigration. In fact, for the first time, deaths outnumbered births in the province. With fewer babies being born and life expectancy remaining steady, immigration has become the backbone of Quebec’s demographic growth.
Despite a slower growth rate compared to 2023, Quebec saw one of its largest-ever increases in population. What’s behind this shift? A growing number of non-permanent residents — international students, asylum seekers, and temporary foreign workers. And as Quebec’s fertility rate hits a record low, the province is now caught between welcoming newcomers and managing its resources.
Let’s break down how immigration is shaping Quebec’s future and what it means for the province’s social and economic landscape.
Quebec Immigration Continues to Rise in 2024
In 2024, nearly 159,000 newcomers entered Quebec. These included:
- Temporary Foreign Workers – ~274,000
- Asylum Seekers – ~180,000
- International Students – ~71,000
That’s a total of around 617,000 non-permanent residents in the province by early 2025. These individuals made up the bulk of population growth, especially during the first half of 2024. Quebec added roughly 155,000 people to its population — the second-highest growth on record after 2023. Notably, around 59,500 new immigrants obtained permanent residence, with most entering under economic streams. Cameroon topped the list for the most new permanent residents, followed by France, China, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.
Here’s a snapshot of Quebec’s 2024 immigration numbers:
| Category | Number of People |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 274,000 |
| Asylum Seekers | 180,000 |
| International Students | 71,000 |
| Total Non-Permanent Residents | ~617,000 |
| New Permanent Residents | 59,500 |
A Fertility Drop That Can’t Be Ignored
Quebec’s fertility rate fell to just 1.33 children per woman in 2024 — the lowest ever recorded in the province. This decline mirrors a broader trend across Canada, but it’s still higher than in most other provinces.
Other key statistics from the report:
- Births: 77,400
- Deaths: 78,800
- Life Expectancy: 82.7 years (84.4 for women, 80.9 for men)
- Average Age of First-Time Mothers: 30 years
This is the first time in history that more people died than were born in Quebec. The aging population, coupled with fewer births, is putting long-term pressure on the labor market and public services.
Rising Immigration Meets Policy Pushback
While immigration has kept Quebec’s population from declining, it has also become a hot political issue. Premier François Legault has voiced concerns about temporary immigrants straining housing, health care, and education systems. His government is now pushing Ottawa to reduce the number of non-permanent residents allowed into Quebec.
In response, the province passed new laws to cap international student numbers at post-secondary institutions. Quebec also wants more control over asylum claims and work permits.
Despite these moves, outbound migration from Quebec remains historically low. Only 1,900 people left the province for other parts of Canada in 2024 — a sharp drop from previous years.
Looking Ahead: Immigration as Quebec’s Population Driver
Even with the population rising, Quebec’s share of Canada’s total population has slightly declined to 21.9%, as other provinces grow faster. But immigration will likely remain the province’s most reliable path to growth in the coming decades.
Projections estimate Quebec could reach a population of 10 million by 2054, largely driven by newcomers. In a province grappling with aging residents and low fertility, Quebec immigration is not just an option — it’s a necessity.
Quebec Immigration Holds the Key to Future Growth
While fertility continues to decline, and natural growth slows, immigration is keeping Quebec’s population — and economy — on the rise. With over 617,000 non-permanent residents already contributing to society and more permanent residents expected each year, Quebec immigration will play a vital role in shaping the province’s future. As debates continue and policies shift, one thing remains clear: immigration is no longer a support system — it’s the engine powering Quebec’s next chapter.
