Statistics Canada released its second-quarter demographic estimates on Sept. 23. It estimates Nunavut’s population was 43,091 on July 1, following a 1.1 per cent increase during the April-to-June quarter. The release also lists 333 non-permanent residents in Nunavut on July 1, unchanged from the prior quarter, and an estimated quarterly flow of 42 immigrants in the second quarter. Source↗

Population estimates are used to calculate demographic, social and economic indicators and help determine some federal-provincial-territorial transfers. For Nunavut, an updated population baseline is also relevant to planning for housing, schools, health care, water systems and other public services. The release does not allocate new funding or approve any project. Source↗

Statistics Canada says these second-quarter 2026 figures are preliminary and will be revised through its regular updating process. The agency says 2026 Census population counts are scheduled for release on Feb. 10, 2027. Source↗

The estimates are based on 2021 Census counts adjusted for census undercoverage and incompletely enumerated reserves and settlements, plus estimated population change since May 11, 2021. Statistics Canada updated estimates from the third quarter of 2021 through the first quarter of 2026 in this release; estimates through the second quarter of 2023 are final. The 42-immigrant figure is an estimated flow during one quarter, not Nunavut’s total immigrant population. Source↗