Released on September 26, 2014
Saskatchewan’s population kept growing in the second quarter of 2014 (April 1 to July 1), increasing by another 5,281 people to 1,125,410. In the past year (July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014), the province grew by 19,163 people.Both the quarterly and annual growth rates are the second highest among the provinces, behind only Alberta.
Premier Brad Wall said Saskatchewan’s continued growth is a clear indication of a strong economy.
“The population grows when the economy is creating new jobs and opportunities,” Wall said. “That has been the case for several years now in Saskatchewan – a complete reversal from when Saskatchewan was losing people, jobs and opportunities.”
Wall noted that in the last seven years (July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2014), Saskatchewan has grown by more than 123,000 people – a sharp contrast from the seven years prior to that (July 1, 2000 to July 1, 2007) when the province’s population dropped by more than 5,500.
“A strong economy and a growing population means a growing tax base that helps us to meet the challenges of growth,” Wall said. “It’s a virtuous circle as opposed to the vicious cycle of decline we used to face.”
Saskatchewan remains on track to meeting the target of 1.2 million people set in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth while Statistics Canada said the province’s population could hit 1.5 million by 2038.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927