SASKATCHEWAN POPULATION TOPS ONE MILLION

That's the number of people now living in Saskatchewan according to Statistics Canada. It marks the first time Saskatchewan's population has topped one million since July 1, 2001.

"More great news for Saskatchewan!" Premier Brad Wall said. "Saskatchewan is the place to be in Canada right now and people are moving here by the thousands.

"I am confident these numbers will continue to climb," Wall said. "It's the job of the new government to build on Saskatchewan's recent economic momentum. More and more people are discovering what so many of us already knew - that Saskatchewan is the best province in the best country in the world."

Statistics Canada's most recent quarterly population numbers show Saskatchewan's population was estimated to be 1,003,299 as of October 1, 2007. This is an increase of 6,430 people since July 1, 2007, and an increase of 15,263 people from October 1, 2006. Saskatchewan also had the highest net migration rate of all the provinces.

Other highlights of Statistics Canada report show:

• Our quarterly growth rate, at .65 per cent, is the best in Canada. Our western neighbors posted growth of .37 per cent (Alberta) and .31 per cent (Manitoba).
• The 6,430 person increase is the largest quarterly population change since the quarterly population series was introduced in 1971.
• Saskatchewan's annual population growth rate was the second highest of all the provinces.
• This was the fourth consecutive quarter where Saskatchewan was a net recipient of interprovincial migrants from Alberta (net increase of 3,362 people).
• Saskatchewan's overall net in-migration (the number of people moving in minus the number moving out) was 4,324 for the quarter.

"We are poised for tremendous growth and opportunity, and that means a more secure future for everyone in Saskatchewan," Wall said.

The attached backgrounder offers more details from Statistics Canada about Saskatchewan's population.

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0906
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-7068