Number of deaths

The number of deaths in Canada has been on an upward trajectory over the past century due to the country's growing and aging population. A larger population results in a higher number of deaths despite lower mortality rates. Meanwhile, an aging population increases the number of older individuals, who have higher mortality rates than their younger counterparts. Most Canadians have long life expectancies, with both men and women living well into their 80s. The number of adults aged 65 and older has continued to increase in recent years, driving growth in the number of deaths. In 2020, the number of deaths rose 5.0% due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. In 2021, the death rate increased 3.4%, while during 2022 deaths increased a further 5.1% as new variants continued to pop up. In 2023, the number of deaths continued to spike, increasing an additional 4.5%. During 2024 and 2025, levels have decelerated however, and overall, the number of deaths has increased at an annualized rate of 3.6% over the five years to 2025.