September 29, 2008

PROVINCE'S POPULATION HIGHEST EVER AT 1.2 MILLION MANITOBANS


Manitoba’s population has reached a historic high above 1.2 million people, Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan announced today.

Statistics Canada reports that as of July 1, 2008, Manitoba’s population had reached 1,208,000, an increase of nearly 14,500 people since July 2007. Along with 1983, these are the largest population gains in the last 36 years.

The minister said the province’s latest annual growth of 1.2 per cent exceeded the national gain and was the fourth-highest rate among the provinces.

“The population figures released today are tremendous news and show that Manitoba is a popular destination for immigrants and former Manitobans wishing to return home,” said Swan. “Our investment in education and training, our strong economy, and initiatives like the Provincial Nominee Program demonstrate a significant Manitoba advantage, which is helping people make the right decision and move to our province.”

Swan said Statistics Canada estimates there are more Manitobans and fewer Canadians than previously thought. Manitoba’s population is now some 6,900 people higher than previously estimated for April 1, 2008. Manitoba’s upward population revision was the second largest for all provinces.

Swan noted Manitoba’s population is expected to continue to grow. Projections show the province will reach 1.3 million in 2016 and 1.4 million in 2022.

Population is important to the strength of Manitoba’s economy. Manitoba’s Bureau of Statistics reports a one-time increase of 10,000 immigrants has the following additional economic impacts after 10 years:
· an increase in the total population of 11,400 people;
· an additional 4,700 housing starts;
· an additional 5,800 people employed, with nearly all the increase in the private sector;
· an increase in gross economic output of $810 million; and
· an increase in disposable income (income after taxes) of $367 million.

“We welcome people who are looking at Manitoba as an attractive place to live, work and raise a family,” said Swan. “People are arriving from all corners of Canada and the world to make Manitoba their new home.”

For more Manitoba demographic information, go to the website Manitoba: the Past, the Present and the Future at www.gov.mb.ca/mbs.