Canadian debt held by non-residents

What it is. The share of Government of Canada bonds held by foreign investors.

Why it matters. The higher this share, the more Canada depends on capital that can leave quickly in a crisis. It rose from 14% in April 2009 to a record 47% in July 2026. This rise can also reflect foreign confidence in Canadian debt: the signal measures dependence, not distrust.

How to read the chart. The line gives the share held abroad at the end of each month, in %. Coloured bands show the risk thresholds.

Who measures it, and when. Statistics Canada for the bonds held abroad, relative to all government bonds, every month since 1995 (constant definition), published about two and a half months later; collected every morning.