It’s no surprise—Statistics Canada recently reported an increase in life expectancy across Canada for the second year in a row. In 2024, it climbed to 82.16 years, a gain of 0.48 years compared to 2023. Finally, life expectancy is increasing, signaling a cause for optimism. We are not done tackling public health challenges, as we are still confronted by other diseases including cancer, which is now the country’s most common cause of death.
Today in 2024, cancer accounts for more than one in four deaths in Canada. It represented a shocking 26.2 percent of all deaths. This alarming statistic underscores the ongoing battle against this disease, which remains a top priority for healthcare providers and policymakers alike. Heart disease continues to be the second leading cause of death. In fact, it now represents 17.7 percent of all deaths in the country heavily.
Accidents were the third highest contributor to mortality rates, making up 6.2 percent of deaths. As a leading killer, stroke was responsible for 4.2 percent of all deaths. Moreover, chronic lower respiratory diseases were responsible for 4 percent of deaths. Infectious diseases are extremely consequential in today’s society. In the short span of 2023 to 2024, influenza and pneumonia deaths accounted for 2.3 percent of all deaths even as deaths from these diseases increased overall by a shocking 20 percent.
Diabetes has had a large effect on mortality, being responsible for 2.1 percent of deaths. At the same time, liver disease has been increasing, now accounting for an additional 1.4 percent of deaths. At the same time, COVID-19 has faded into the background, only making up 1.5 percent of total deaths in Canada by early 2024. This decline is a clear indication of the continued work to control and reduce the negative effects of the pandemic.
Significantly, our dementia deaths have soared by 4.8 percent. This climb has contributed to record 27,825 deaths nationwide. This steep rise illustrates the challenges presented by our increasingly aging nation and its impending healthcare crisis.
These life expectancy numbers often hide stark regional divides. Women in British Columbia can expect to live an average of 85.07 years, while men can expect to live to about 80.30 years. These statistics are symptomatic of larger trends in health and wellness among marginalized racialized demographics across Canada and the world.
