More people are calling Manitoba home than ever before, with the population growing by 16,045 to reach 1,261,500 by the end of March, according to Statistics Canada figures released yesterday. This announcement was made by Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson.
“Our province is seen by families and individuals as being a very affordable and attractive place to live,” said Bjornson. “This growth is also fuelling our economy and will help to continue moving in the right direction.”
From April 2011 to April 2012, Manitoba gained 16,045 people, an increase of 1.3 per cent. This is the highest level since modern-day record keeping began in 1971, the minister said.
“With this population gain, Manitoba has now exceeded the national growth rate for the third consecutive year,” Bjornson said. “Additionally, our growth was the third highest among the provinces.”
Since last April, nearly 10,300 more individuals came to Manitoba than left for other provinces or countries, nearly matching last year’s record total of 10,353. The main driver of this growth was the record arrival of 16,074 immigrants from around the world, Bjornson said.
“The Provincial Nominee Program now accounts for more than three-quarters of all new immigrants arriving here,” said Bjornson. “It’s been a Manitoba success story.”
The minister noted that Manitoba’s population has increased by nearly 107,000 over the last 10 years, driven by a net inflow to the province of some 53,300 people. In the previous 10-year period, population grew by 43,800 with a net loss of 15,500 people to other provinces and countries.
During the last 12 months, there were 16,483 babies born in Manitoba. This was the highest number of births in the last 17 years and the number has increased for seven consecutive years, Bjornson said.
