Canada is facing a demographic crisis as new data reveals that its fertility rate has plummeted to a record low. According to Statistics Canada, the fertility rate for 2023 is now just 1.26 children per woman, marking the lowest level ever recorded since the agency began its data collection. This significant drop places Canada among the global leaders in “lowest-low” fertility countries, a category it shares with nations like South Korea, Italy, Spain, and Japan.

The numbers are indeed alarming. The previous record low—1.33 children per woman—was recorded last year, but this new figure signifies a continuing downward trend. Disturbingly, the decline is evident in 10 out of the 13 provinces and territories in the country.

Statistics Canada explains that the drop can be attributed largely to an increase in the number of women of childbearing age while the number of births has remained relatively stable. In total, there were 351,477 births in Canada last year, identical to the figure reported in 2022. Despite this static number of births, the increasing proportion of women in the relevant age group is pushing down the overall fertility rate.

Experts attribute this ongoing decline to several factors, including prolonged economic uncertainty, skyrocketing living costs, and major lifestyle changes exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families are now reconsidering their childbearing plans in light of financial constraints. Demographer Don Kerr remarks that inflation is making it tough for couples, many of whom are now questioning the feasibility of expanding their families amid financial instability.

Further complicating matters, Statistics Canada reported a troubling rise in premature births, which reached a staggering 8.3% in 2023—the highest rate seen in 50 years. The increase in premature births is particularly attributed to a growing number of older mothers; research shows that the risk of premature births elevates as maternal age rises. In fact, last year, a surprising 26.5% of mothers were aged 35 and older, a significant jump from just 10.7% in 1993.

As the nation grapples with these demographic challenges, each of these factors—including be they societal, economic, or health-related—plays a key role in shaping the future of families in Canada. Only time will tell how these trends will evolve and impact the society at large.

Could This Be a Wake-Up Call? With a declining fertility rate, what steps will Canada take to support families?