SASKATCHEWAN GREW BY MORE THAN 17,000 PEOPLE IN 2011 – MOST GROWTH SINCE 1953

Saskatchewan's population jumped by 17,064 people in 2011 to an all-time high of 1,067,612, according to new population estimates released today by Statistics Canada. That's the biggest increase in one year since 1953, when the population grew by 18,000.

Saskatchewan's 2011 growth rate of 1.62 per cent was the second-highest in Canada, behind only Alberta.

Saskatchewan also had the second-highest rate of net interprovincial migration (people moving in minus people moving out) with net interprovincial in-migration of 1,181 in 2011. In fact, Saskatchewan and Alberta were the only two provinces in Canada with net interprovincial in-migration in 2011, as each of the other eight provinces experienced a net loss of people to other provinces.

"This speaks to the strength of our economy and illustrates a clear shift in the economic fortunes of our country to western Canada and to Saskatchewan," Premier Brad Wall said. "Saskatchewan is now a ‘have' province with a vibrant economy and a growing population. That's a big change from just a few short years ago."

Net international immigration increased Saskatchewan's population by 10,660 in 2011 while the natural increase (births minus deaths) accounted for 5,223 more people.

"A growing population presents both opportunities and challenges for our province, but it sure beats the challenges of a declining population," Wall said. "Later today, our government will present an affordable, sustainable, balanced budget designed to take on both the opportunities and the challenges of a growing Saskatchewan."

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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