Manitobans are getting younger as the population continues record-breaking growth, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced.
“Our growing population of more working-age Manitobans is making the province more productive, more prosperous and a better place to live,” Bjornson said. “Over the past 10 years, Manitoba has been growing and this government is committed to continuing to improve the quality of life for all Manitobans.”
Manitoba is now the third-youngest province in Canada with a median age of 37.7 years, according to Statistics Canada. This is the second consecutive year that a decline in the median age has been reported.
The report also shows that 1,235,400 people were living in Manitoba as of July 1. Between July 1, 2009, and July 1, 2010, the population of Manitoba increased by 15,850 people for the largest 12-month increase in 39 years.
Other key findings of the Statistics Canada report include:
• Manitoba’s increase of 15,850 people translates into growth of 1.3 per cent, well ahead of national growth of 1.15 per cent and the best since the early ’80s; and
• total net migration reached 10,303 people over the last 12 months, which is the largest annual gain in at least 39 years.
Driving this record-breaking growth were people moving to Manitoba from around the world, the minister said. Just over 14,000 immigrants arrived in Manitoba during the last 12 months. This is well above the 12,960 who arrived in the previous 12-month period. It is also the largest immigrant arrival since at least 1971.
Much of the growth during the last several years can be attributed to the success of the Provincial Nominee Program, Bjornson said, adding the program has resulted in historic growth in Manitoba’s immigration population. Of the 14,100 individuals who arrived in Manitoba during the last 12 months, over three-quarters were provincial nominees.
“People from around the world are making Manitoba their new home because this province offers a place where new Manitobans can build a better future for themselves and their families,” said Bjornson.
