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December 21, 1999
(Finance)

Minister pleased with province's population figures

Minister of Finance Paul Dicks is pleased with population figures released today by Statistics Canada. The figures indicate that net out-migration from Newfoundland and Labrador declined to 275 persons in the third quarter of 1999, down 85 per cent from 1,869 in the same period last year.

"Statistics Canada indicates that this is the lowest net out-migration for the third quarter since 1982," said Minister Dicks. "Furthermore, this is the fifth consecutive quarter for which there has been a year-over-year decrease in net out-migration. Net out-migration for the first three quarters of this year is down by 56 per cent as compared to the same period last year."

The number of people migrating to Newfoundland and Labrador increased to over 3,600 in the third quarter, the largest single quarterly in-migration level since 1990.

Minister Dicks added: "The higher level of in-migration is being driven by strong economic growth and greater employment opportunities. Year-to-date employment is up by 5.2 per cent compared to last year."

As a result of declining migration losses, population decline has slowed significantly. The population of the province is estimated at 540,978 as of October 1, down 0.5 per cent from a year earlier.

"This is the lowest year-over-year decline in population since 1993 following the closure of the northern cod fishery," said Minister Dicks. "I am confident that economic growth and employment will remain strong in 2000, and I am hopeful that this will be reflected in future population estimates."

Media contact: Lynette Oates, Communications, (709) 729-4023.

1999 12 21                            4:50 p.m.


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