Diversified Economy Helps Saskatchewan Population Continue to Grow

Released on June 16, 2016

Saskatchewan’s population grew to another all-time high in the first quarter of 2016, according to the latest population figures released today by Statistics Canada.

There were 1,146,655 people living in Saskatchewan as of April 1, 2016 – up 4,085 from January 1 and up 16,118 over the past year. Both the quarterly and annual population gains are the third-highest growth rates among the provinces, behind only Alberta and Manitoba.

Saskatchewan continues to experience a period of sustained population growth not seen in decades. Saskatchewan’s population has now grown in every quarter for 10 consecutive years, growing by more than 155,000 people during that period. That’s the most growth in any 10 year period in 85 years, since the decade 1921 to 1931.

In the previous decade 1996 to 2006, Saskatchewan’s population dropped in 28 of 40 quarters, declining by more than 26,000 people during that period.

“This consistent growth over the past decade represents a new era in our province,” Premier Brad Wall said. “It used to be that any kind of a challenge to our economy would inevitably lead to a drop in population. Not anymore.

“We are now seeing a downturn in our resource sector for the second time in the past 10 years, yet the number of people living in Saskatchewan has continued to grow. That says a lot about the strength and resilience of our diverse economy. It also says that more and more people are discovering that Saskatchewan is a great place to live.”

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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

Diversified Economy Helps Saskatchewan Population Continue to Grow

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