Saskatchewan's population grew by 22,154 people between July 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012, according to the latest figures released by Statistics Canada. That's the most growth in a single year since 1921. There were 1,079,958 people living in Saskatchewan as of July 1, 2012.
In the most recent quarter April 1 to July 1, 2012, Saskatchewan's population grew by 6,851 - the largest increase in a single quarter since Statistics Canada started keeping quarterly records in 1971.
Premier Brad Wall said the latest figures show Saskatchewan is on the right track with one of the strongest economies in Canada.
"Saskatchewan is growing at its fastest pace since the earliest days of our province," Wall said. "Next month, we will be releasing our growth plan designed to ensure this growth continues and that we are meeting both the challenges and opportunities of growth in the years ahead."
Wall said the population growth is exceeding the government's stated goal of 100,000 people in 10 years. In just the past five years, from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2012, Saskatchewan's population increased by nearly 80,000 people.
Saskatchewan saw net interprovincial in-migration (number of people moving in minus number moving out) of 1,373 in the most recent quarter, with the largest net gains coming from Ontario (843 persons), BC (225 persons), Manitoba (216 persons) and Alberta (175 persons). Saskatchewan and Alberta were the only two provinces with net in-migration from other provinces in the past quarter.
Saskatchewan's population gain also consisted of net international migration of 4,035 and a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,443 in the past quarter.
"Gone are the days when more people were moving out of Saskatchewan than moving in," Wall said. "With our strong economy, plenty of career opportunities and great quality of life, Saskatchewan is the place to be."
