Statistics Canada recently released population growth numbers for the last quarter of 2008. The 0.19 per cent increase is the fastest fourth-quartergrowth rate since 1992 and can be largely attributed to net international migration, says the agency.

Canada's population now sits at 33,504,700 people, up 63,400 from October 1, 2008. 35,700 of this rise was due to net international migration, whichrepresents an increase of 7,700 people over the same period in 2007.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has also announced that immigration application processing times improvedslightly in 2008, with a 12 per cent reduction in wait times over 2007 figures.

Statistics Canada figures show a population increase in every province and territory, except for Prince Edward Island and the Northwest Territories.

Demographic growth remained higher in western provinces, with British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba all posting growth rates beyond thenational average.

Saskatchewan, which has stepped up its efforts to attract newcomers through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), has reached a new20-year high in terms of population numbers, largely because of immigration.

"Immigration is important in addressing Saskatchewan's demographic and labour market needs and will help contribute to the long-term growth andprosperity in this province," says Saskatchewan Immigration Minister Rob Norris. "Newcomers help to build our communities through diversity andinnovation."