Released on February 3, 2011
The Saskatoon and Regina census metropolitan areas (CMAs) are the fastest and third fastest growing in Canada, according to Statistics Canada's Annual Demographic Estimates, released earlier today.
Saskatoon CMA's population increased by 7,240 (to 265,259) as of July 1, 2010 - a growth rate of 27.7 per thousand. Regina CMA jumped by 4,754 (to 215,138), for a growth rate of 22.3 per thousand. These growth rates compare to the average of 14.7 per thousand among the 33 Canadian CMAs. Vancouver CMA ranked second, with a growth rate of 22.9 per thousand.
"Recently, we celebrated another population record for the province, and as our economy grows, we expect that momentum to continue," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Saskatchewan has a combination of employment, educational and lifestyle opportunities that is unique and unrivalled in Canada. There is little wonder people from across Canada and around the world are flocking to all of our cities."
Net international migration was responsible for the largest proportion of growth in the Saskatoon CMA and Regina CMA. StatsCan's release also noted that Saskatoon CMA's median age of 35.4 was the lowest in Canada. At 36.9, Regina CMA was fourth lowest.
"Over the next five years, Saskatchewan will need to add nearly 80,000 new workers in order to meet employer demand," Norris said. "Helping our young population to make the jump into the labour force and attracting workers from outside our province are both key priorities for our government. Our continued population growth is a sign that we are moving in the right direction, but we still have work to do."
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For more information, contact:
Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca