According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for 25.9% of all deaths in 2023. Closely following is heart disease, which caused 57,890 deaths or 17.7% of total mortality.
Top Causes of Death in Canada (2023)
Rank
Cause
Deaths
% of Deaths
1
Cancer (Malignant neoplasms)
84,629
25.9%
2
Diseases of heart
57,890
17.7%
3
Accidents (Unintentional injuries)
20,597
6.3%
4
Stroke (Cerebrovascular diseases)
13,833
4.2%
5
Chronic lower respiratory diseases
12,994
4.0%
6
COVID-19
7,963
2.4%
7
Diabetes
7,273
2.2%
8
Influenza and pneumonia
6,363
2.0%
9
Alzheimer’s disease
5,231
1.6%
10
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
4,374
1.3%
Key Takeaways:
Cancer and heart disease combined caused nearly 44% of all deaths in Canada in 2023.
Accidental deaths, including falls and overdoses, ranked third—highlighting ongoing public health challenges beyond chronic disease.
COVID-19 accounted for 2.4% of deaths, remaining a significant but reduced threat compared to peak pandemic years.
Deaths from diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and chronic liver disease also remain persistent health burdens.
Source:
Source Name:
Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0394-01 Leading causes of death, total population, by age group
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