Is Canada becoming a secular nation? The data reveals a clear, long-term shift away.

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For decades, the Canadian religious landscape has undergone a profound transformation. While a majority of the population still maintains some form of spiritual or religious affiliation, the number of people identifying as non-religious has climbed steadily since 1985, reshaping the country's social and cultural fabric in the process.

The evolution of religiosity in Canada is marked by a consistent decline in both formal affiliation and active participation. Statistics Canada data indicates that in 1985, 90 percent of the population claimed a religious affiliation. By 2019, that figure had dropped to 68 percent. This downward trend is mirrored in participation rates, with regular attendance at group religious activities falling from 43 percent in 1985 to just 23 percent by 2019.

Generational differences play a significant role in this transition. Younger Canadians are notably less likely to identify with a religion or engage in communal spiritual practices compared to their older counterparts. For instance, individuals born between 1940 and 1959 report an 85 percent affiliation rate, whereas those born between 1980 and 1999 show only a 61 percent rate. Furthermore, gender remains a factor in these trends; women are more likely than men to declare a religious affiliation and are more inclined to view their spiritual beliefs as highly important to their daily lives.

Beyond simple affiliation, the nature of belief itself is complex. While many Canadians still hold traditional views, others occupy a spectrum that includes agnosticism, secular humanism, and belief in higher powers without formal religious ties. This shift has occasionally moved into the public sphere, influencing legal and political discourse. For example, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 2015 that reciting prayers at municipal council meetings violates the principle of state neutrality. As these secular perspectives gain visibility, they continue to challenge the traditional role of religion in Canadian public life, reflecting a broader movement toward a more diverse and less institutionally defined spiritual identity across the nation.

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