Saskatchewan's population continues to grow, increasing by just more than 5,000 people in the first quarter of 2014, according to new figures released today by Statistics Canada.
There were 1,122,588 people living in Saskatchewan as of April 1, 2014 - an increase of 5,085 people since January 1, 2014, and an increase of 21,180 people in the past year. Saskatchewan's quarterly and annual growth rates are both second-highest among the provinces, behind only Alberta.
Economy Minister Bill Boyd said the steady growth is a sign of a strong and diversified economy.
"Saskatchewan is now starting its eighth consecutive year of strong population growth, a far cry from the years when we were actually losing people," Boyd said. "There are more jobs and opportunities in Saskatchewan than ever before and that's why today, more people than ever before call Saskatchewan home."
Saskatchewan's growth in the first quarter of 2014 consisted of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,211, net international migration of 3,080 and net interprovincial migration of 794.
Saskatchewan's net interprovincial migration rate was also the second highest among the provinces, behind Alberta. Saskatchewan's largest net gains were from Ontario (603) and Manitoba (253).
"A growing population is good for our province," Boyd said. "It means more opportunities and it also means more challenges. Our government is working hard to ensure that growth continues and that we are meeting the challenges of a growing province."
