Saskatchewan’s population continues to rise despite thousands deciding to move to other provinces, according to a national report released Wednesday.
Statistics Canada found that the province’s population grew by roughly 5,300 people in the second quarter of 2016. The government said it was the largest increase since 2013.
“There are many opportunities in our province and it’s great we continue to attract more people that will call Saskatchewan home,” said Saskatchewan Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison in a written statement.
“The relative strength and diversity of our economy continues to show people this is a great place to live and to invest.”
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The national survey now estimates Saskatchewan’s population to be 1,150,632. The bulk of the population growth stems from a birth rate that’s outpacing the number of deaths in the province and an influx of new immigrants.
However Statistics Canada notes that the number of people leaving the province outpaced the rate of those re-locating in Saskatchewan from elsewhere in Canada. Net interprovincial migration has been down in 2015-16, as roughly 15,700 residents came to the province, while around 19,400 left, according to the report.