Finance
September 27, 2013
Statistics Canada Increases Population Growth Estimates for NL
Statistics Canada new population data released this week estimates Newfoundland and Labrador’s population to be 526,702 on July 1, 2013. Following five years of modest population growth between 2007 and 2012, the province’s population is almost back to levels last seen in the year 2000 when it was 527,966.
Up until its latest release, Statistics Canada had been estimating population levels for 2007 to 2012 using 2006 Census estimates. With the most recent release of population estimates, Statistics Canada revised its estimates to incorporate the results of the 2011 Census. This has meant a substantial upward revision in population estimates for Newfoundland and Labrador (see Backgrounder below).
“While fluctuations in migration levels are to be expected from quarter to quarter, the current estimates indicate growth in our population of almost 18,000 since 2007 and five consecutive years of population growth between 2007 and 2012,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. “This is good news for our province and its people.”
News of the expected population growth coincides with the launch this week of a series of province-wide community workshop consultations in October to inform the development of a Population Growth Strategy, which will help to ensure continued and sustained growth.
“Five years of sustained population growth is encouraging,” said the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and Minister Responsible for the Population Growth Strategy. “Through the work of the strategy, and the community consultations that will inform its development, we will work to keep the positive momentum going to ensure our communities remain vibrant and sustainable places to receive an education, establish a career and raise a family.”
From 2003 to 2012, Newfoundland and Labrador saw significant growth in most economic indicators. Average employment in the province was 230,500 in 2012, an increase of 8.8 per cent since 2003. More people are working than at any other time in the province’s history.
“The province has recorded a number of years of strong economic performance and strong economic growth is projected to continue this year,” said Minister Kennedy. “We are also seeing strong business and consumer optimism.”
According to a survey of forecasters, Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to lead the country in real GDP growth in 2013 with an average of five per cent. So far this year:
- Employment growth is 1.8 per cent and ranked fourth among provinces (January-August);
- Average weekly earnings growth is 2.4 per cent, ranked third in the country (January-July);
- Labour income growth is 6.3 per cent, ranked third among provinces (January-June);
- Retail sales growth is 5.2 per cent, ranked second among provinces (January-July); and
- New motor vehicle sales growth is 5.5 per cent, tied for fifth place among provinces with Saskatchewan (January-July).
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Media contacts:
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Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER: Chart of Annual Population Estimates
2013 09 27 5:00 p.m.