Canada’s fertility rate has hit a record low in 2022

In 2022, Canada experienced its lowest total fertility rate of 1.33 children per woman, a downward trend that started in 2009 and accelerated with the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. Despite a slight increase in 2021, the total fertility rate fell drastically in 2022. This decline of 7.4% is the largest since the baby bust of 1971-1972. The decrease was observed in 11 out of 13 provinces and territories, and among women aged 20 to 39, it is the biggest since 1978-1979. Similar patterns were seen in other countries during the pandemic, suggesting a temporary disruption in fertility behaviours. Canada’s 2022 total fertility rate ranks mid-range among ten high-income countries, with a 7.4% decline, the third largest after the Netherlands and Germany.