the CanadaVisa Team - 22 July, 2015
Canada's population grew by 129,000 people between July 1 and October 1, 2008, representing the largest third quarter growth since 1990. A large proportion of this growth was due to the 71,300 people who came to Canada from abroad during that time.
Though every Canadian province and territory saw increases in population numbers (except the Northwest Territories), most of the growth was in Western Canada. Alberta continues to top the list for population growth, with 25,640 people moving to the province from either outside Canada or from other provinces and territories. This constitutes a growth rate of 0.72 per cent, twice the size of the national population growth rate.
"Usually people go where there are jobs, so that explains the strong tendency toward Alberta," said Hubert Denis, Senior Analyst for Statistics Canada.
Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Yukon each had growth rates above the national rate as well.
Many provinces are actively recruiting immigrants through their Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP). All across Canada, these programs have enhanced immigration numbers considerably.
Denis noted that, "Provinces are being more aggressive and it really shows in the numbers."
Prince Edward Island (PEI), for example, a small maritime province in Atlantic Canada, has seen a drastic increase in immigration since the PEI PNP was established, setting a record over this third quarter of welcoming 611 newcomers.
"For a small province like P.E.I., this represents a very big increase," stated Denis.
