The fertility rates in North America are hitting all-time lows, with Canada’s national statistics agency recently releasing its 2023 birth data. This comes on the heels of a 3 percent dip in U.S. fertility rates from 2022 to 2024, marking what the CDC describes as a “historic low.”
Canada now finds itself among the “lowest-low” fertility nations, which includes South Korea, Spain, Italy, and Japan, with an average of just 1.3 children per woman. In contrast, the U.S. recorded a fertility rate of 1.62 in 2023.
Experts suggest this decline is linked to changing attitudes among young people towards parenthood. Many now prefer to have one or two children—or none at all—prioritizing lifestyle choices over traditional family structures. As Rosenberg notes, the rising expenses and the desire for a child-free lifestyle are significant factors influencing this trend.
Statistics Canada also highlighted that while birth rates remained consistent from 2022, an increase in the number of women of childbearing age has contributed to the overall reduction in children per woman.
So, is this a cause for concern?
Not necessarily, according to demographic experts like Beaujot, who argue that with the planet’s large population, natural declines can actually be beneficial. They emphasize that we’re not at risk of extinction and that population drops might aid in resource management.
Rosenberg further elaborates, stating that the focus should be on creating equitable immigration policies to attract skilled, working-age individuals to Canada. He advocates for prioritizing innovative immigration strategies and slow population growth plans in response to these statistics.