Released on June 25, 2008
First Quarter Increase Highest in Decades, Stats Can Says
Saskatchewan's population has grown by nearly 18,000 people in the past year, according to a new report released today by Statistics Canada. That's a growth rate of 1.8 per cent, second-highest in Canada and just marginally behind Alberta at 1.82 per cent.
Advanced Education, Labour and Employment Minister Rob Norris said Saskatchewan is the place to be and that's why more people are moving in than moving out.
"Saskatchewan's job opportunities and quality of life are attracting thousands of people from other provinces and other countries," Norris said. "Our growing population and growing economy are signs that Saskatchewan's new prosperity is here to stay."
Over the past year, 30,307 people moved to Saskatchewan from other provinces, compared to 19,361 who moved out, for a net interprovincial in-migration of 11,036 people. In addition, Saskatchewan has attracted 3,839 immigrants from other countries in the past year.
Saskatchewan's population now stands at 1,010,146 - up 3,502 people in the first quarter of 2008 and 17,908 people in the past year. According to Statistics Canada, it was the highest first quarter increase in Saskatchewan in decades.
In recent weeks, the Saskatchewan government has been working to attract more skilled workers to the province, through an aggressive marketing campaign in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and by joining Saskatchewan employers in recruiting employees from Ontario, the Philippines and Ukraine.
"A growing population of highly skilled employees means we are building increasingly diverse and dynamic communities," Norris said. "Our government is working hard to ensure that Saskatchewan continues to grow and that all Saskatchewan people share in the benefits of growth."
For more detailed information about the latest Saskatchewan population numbers, visit the Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics website at www.stats.gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1321
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca