Released on December 23, 2009
Breaks Population Record Set Back in 1987
More people than ever before are now calling Saskatchewan home, according to the latest population figures released today by Statistics Canada.
Saskatchewan's population on October 1, 2009 was 1,034,974 - an increase of 4,845 over the past three months and 16,080 over the previous year. Saskatchewan's previous population record was 1,032,799 set back on July 1, 1987.
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said the growing population is a clear sign Saskatchewan is on the right track.
"One of the best ways to measure the strength of a province and its economy is to ask the question - are more people moving in or moving out?" Norris said. "In 2009, there were a lot more people moving into Saskatchewan."
Saskatchewan growth rate of 0.47 per cent in the past three months was second only to BC among Canadian provinces. The growth consisted of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,495, net interprovincial migration of 823 and net international migration of 2,527.
Over the past two years, Saskatchewan has grown by nearly 30,000 people - the biggest increase in any two-year period since 1952-54.
Norris said the growing population is due to the number of career opportunities in Saskatchewan.
"In the face of a global recession, Saskatchewan was one of the few places in North America with positive job creation this year," Norris said. "That's why Saskatchewan's population is growing at its fastest pace in over 50 years and why there are now more people living here than ever before."
Norris said with Saskatchewan forecast to lead the nation in economic growth in 2010, he expects the population to continue growing.
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For more information, contact:
Rebecca Rogoschewsky
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0980
Email: rebecca.rogoschewsky@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-1601