October 7, 1999
(Executive Council)

Out-migration slowing

Premier Brian Tobin said today that he is pleased to see continued declines in the level of out-migration, along with an increase in the level of in-migration to the province. Statistics Canada released its population numbers for the 1998/99 census year this morning.

"July 1, 1999, marked an end to seven consecutive years of increasingly higher levels of net out-migration," said Premier Tobin. "At the same time, the number of people moving into Newfoundland and Labrador from other parts of Canada increased by almost 50 per cent from the previous year for a total of 11,000 people in-migrating in 1998-99. This reflects the strong economic and employment growth that this province is currently experiencing."

The current population, as of July 1, was 541,164 compared to 545,571 in 1998. While this represents a decline of 0.8 per cent, it is the smallest decline for any year since the groundfishery closure.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Communications, (709) 729-3564.

1999 10 07                       12:05 p.m.