The Canadian population of Sharp-shinned Hawk is best monitored by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), which samples a moderate proportion of the Canadian breeding range and has high precision in trend estimates, although design suitability is considered moderate due to the potential for confusion with Cooper's Hawk. The national trend showed a substantial increase from the early 1970s to late 1990s, a plateau in the early 2000s, and then a decline over the past decade bringing the population back to late 1980s levels, but still over 50% above its abundance in 1970. Although timing and magnitude of change varies slightly by region, the general pattern of increase and subsequent decrease largely applies across Canada. Six Canadian sites contributing to the Raptor Population Index have trends with medium or high reliability since at least 2000, and all indicate slight to large decreases, in many cases aligning with the the more recent decline indicated by the BBS.

The goal for Sharp-shinned Hawk is to remain at or above its recent population level, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Trend data show that Sharp-shinned Hawk is currently within its goal range.