Canada's population passed the 33-million mark during the third quarter of this year, with Saskatchewan replacing Alberta as the country's fastest-growing province.
As of Oct. 1, 2007, the country's population is estimated to have reached
33,091,200, reports
Statistics Canada.
The preliminary demographic estimates show a nationwide population increase of 115,200, or 0.35 per cent, from July 1, 2007 -- the strongest growth rate since the same quarter in 2001.
The third quarter also recorded strong immigration numbers, with Canada receiving an estimated 71,600 newcomers. Net international migration accounted for two-thirds of the country's population increase.
Four provinces -- Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta -- all had population growth rates above the national average during the third quarter.
Saskatchewan led the way with a population growth of 0.65 per cent from July 1, 2007 -- hitting 1,003,300. The gains mark the first time since 2001 that the province's population has topped more than one million people.
Interprovincial migration, mainly people returning from neighbouring Alberta, accounted for two-thirds of the increase, said Statistics Canada.
Meanwhile, Alberta has started to lose more people than it is receiving.
Over the third quarter, Alberta had a net interprovincial migration outflow estimated at 3,300 people. The last time a net outflow occurred in Alberta was the fourth quarter in 1994.
Alberta's overall population did increase 0.37 per cent in the third quarter but it was the lowest growth since the fourth quarter of 2004.
Prince Edward Island was the fastest-growing province in the Atlantic region, with a rate just below the national level, says the report.
Ontario's population jumped 0.37 per cent, to an estimated 12,850,600 -- about 39 per cent of Canada's overall population.
Quebec, the second most populous province, saw a population increase of 0.25 per cent.
The Northwest Territories was the only jurisdiction to show a decline in population -- dropping 0.5 per cent in the third quarter.
