Statistics Canada says the country posted its highest annual population growth rate in more than six decades last year, while Saskatchewan grew at a rate not seen in 110 years.
The agency says the population grew 3.2 per cent, its fastest pace since 1957 when it grew 3.3 per cent.
The increase brought the population to 40,769,890 on Jan. 1, 2024.
The total was up by 1,271,872 people compared with the start of 2023.
Statistics Canada says most of the growth was due to temporary immigration last year.
Without temporary immigration, it says Canada’s population growth rate would have been 1.2 per cent.
In Saskatchewan, the population grew by 30,624 people last year, reaching an all-time high of 1,225,493. The provincial government said that represents the largest increase in a single calendar year since 1914.
In the fourth quarter alone, Saskatchewan’s population rose by 6,517.
Premier Scott Moe celebrated the news.
“A growing province means more good jobs and opportunities for Saskatchewan people,” Moe said in a statement.
“Our government will keep working to ensure a growing province, a strong economy and a bright future.”
— With files from The Canadian Press