Largest Increase in Net
International Migration
Canada's
population posted its highest quarterly growth since 1991 in the
second quarter of 2008, with an increase of 125,800. The advance was
mainly due to a rise in net international migration which, at 91,600,
reached its highest level since the end of the 1980s.
As
of July 1, 2008, Canada's population was estimated at 33,311,400. From
April to June, Canada's population grew by 0.38%.
The
increase in net international migration over the second quarter of 2008 is
mainly explained by an increase in both the number of immigrants and
non-permanent residents.
Between
April and June, 69,200 immigrants entered Canada, nearly 7,600 more
than the same quarter a year earlier but below the peak of almost 74,500 observed
in the second quarter of 2005.
Immigration
was up in all provinces and territories. New second-quarter records were
reached in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Ontario,
which traditionally received more than half of Canada's immigrants, fell below
the 50% mark for the sixth quarter in a row.
The
number of non-permanent residents in Canada also rose by more than 30,800 from
April to June, the highest increase ever for a second quarter. Higher net
numbers of non-permanent residents were observed in almost every province and
territory, especially in Quebec and in the four western provinces, where the
levels topped second quarter highs.
Canada's
rate of natural increase in the second quarter of 2008 remained
relatively stable compared with the same period of 2007, with the number
of births and deaths increasing in a similar fashion.
Demographic
growth still higher in the West
The
rise of net population inflows resulting from international migration from
April to June 2008 has affected population dynamics in almost all
regions of the country. Every province saw their demographic growth increase
compared with the second quarter of 2007.
The
four provinces west of Ontario as well as Prince Edward Island were the
fastest growing provinces during the second quarter of 2008. Alberta's
demographic growth, which was the highest in the country at 0.78%, was
more than twice the national level.
Alberta
led the provinces in rates of natural increase and international migration.
Moreover, Alberta saw a resurgence in interprovincial migration from April to
June 2008.
Elsewhere
in the West, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia all posted
demographic growth above the national level in the second quarter of 2008.
Manitoba posted its highest quarterly increase since the third quarter of 1982.
The
Atlantic provinces all recorded population increases in the second quarter of 2008.
Prince Edward Island led the way (+0.60%), mainly due to a larger net inflow
from international migration.
For
a third quarter in a row, Ontario's demographic growth was below the national
level. The province continues to record an important net outflow in
interprovincial migration, especially to Alberta.
While
the number of births and international migration were both on the rise in
Quebec from April to June 2008, the province recorded an increased net
outflow in interprovincial migration. Like Ontario, Quebec's net outflow was
mainly towards Alberta. Nevertheless, Quebec posted its highest growth rate in
population since the third quarter of 1992.
In
the North, the Northwest Territories was the only territory to post a
population decline from April to June 2008. Its net outflow from
interprovincial migration was its largest for a second quarter since 1988.
[Source:
Statistics Canada]
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