The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the best data on the status of Western Meadowlark in Canada, as it is well-suited to documenting the species, samples most of the breeding range, and has trends with high levels of precision. The long-term trend shows a substantial population decline from the early 1970s to late 1990s; since then there have been fluctuations on a 10-12 year cycle, but with an overall slight increase, although the population remains over 50% below early 1970s levels. Regional trends are largely similar, except that the decline has continued at the western (southwestern British Columbia) and eastern (southwestern Ontario) extremes of the Canadian breeding range.

The goal for Western Meadowlark is to increase the population to the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Trend data show that Western Meadowlark is currently below its goal range, but has stabilized in recent decades. Analysis of recent trends and potential growth rates suggests that Western Meadowlark could reach its population goal by 2050 with the support of conservation action.