Released on March 27, 2008
Biggest Jump in Population Since 1952
A lot more people are calling Saskatchewan home, according to the latest report by Statistics Canada.
Our province's population grew by 16,492 people in 2007, an increase of 1.7 per cent - well ahead of the national average of 1.1 per cent. It's also the biggest one-year jump in Saskatchewan's population in over half a century, since 1952.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, Saskatchewan's population grew by 3,345 or 0.33 per cent - the largest percentage increase of any province in Canada.
Premier Brad Wall said the huge jump in population is terrific news for Saskatchewan.
"More and more people are discovering that Saskatchewan is not only a great place to make a living, it's a great place to make a life," Wall said. "There are so many opportunities in Saskatchewan right now, while at the same time, our province offers a tremendous quality of life for everyone."
Wall said his government's task is to sustain the economic momentum so that Saskatchewan continues to grow.
"That's why our budget focused on making sure Saskatchewan is ready for growth," Wall said. "I believe we will see continued growth throughout 2008 and beyond. Our employment numbers are already up for the first two months of the new year, and while other provinces are talking about a possible recession, Saskatchewan is forecast to lead the country in economic growth."
Unlike previous years, more people are moving into Saskatchewan than moving out. Saskatchewan enjoyed net interprovincial in-migration of 10,174 people in 2007. There were 6,950 more people who moved from Alberta to Saskatchewan than from Saskatchewan to Alberta.
"We live in the best province in the best country in the world," Wall said. "The real question is - why would you want to live anywhere else?"
For more detailed information about the latest Saskatchewan population numbers, visit the Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics website at www.stats.gov.sk.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927