SASKATCHEWAN POPULATION CLOSING IN ON ONE MILLION

Statistics Canada's most recent population numbers demonstrate the government is on the right track in drawing people to Saskatchewan.

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan's population was estimated to be 996,869 as of July 1, 2007.

"We're up almost 5,000 people since the last quarter and up over 9,000 people since a year ago," Finance Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Clearly, the promotion we've done out of province and right here at home is working - people are moving here and staying here because our province is a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"We've experienced five consecutive quarters of population increase, and it's a fair prediction we're going to see that continue," Atkinson said.

The July statistics show an increase of 4,631 people since April 1, 2007. This is the largest quarterly population increase since the third quarter of 1982. Saskatchewan's population is up 9,349 people from one year ago.

The second quarter of this year was also the third consecutive quarter where Saskatchewan was a net recipient of inter-provincial migrants from Alberta, for a net increase of 1,507 people.

"The Graduate Tax Credit for new grads, the personal tax relief and business tax cuts we've introduced, a low cost of living including the lowest-cost utility bundle - not to mention the short commutes, our vibrant cultural scene, and our incredible landscapes - all of these combined make Saskatchewan a great place to be," Atkinson said. "Our Government is making life better in Saskatchewan."

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

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For more information, contact:

Mike Woods
Finance
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6578
Email: mwoods@finance.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-539-9588