Environmental Scan — June 2003

TABLE OF CONTENTS
	Foreword
	Acknowledgements
	Demographics
	Society
	Economy
	Politics & Governance
	Science & Technology
	Environment
	Policing & Security
	Appendix A — Legislative Overview
	Appendix B — Acronyms

DEMOGRAPHICS

Summary

As we venture further into the twenty-first century, the world’s population has faced tumultuous changes which have led to shifts in urbanization and demographic trends. These shifts are at the forefront of the transitional path which will lead to a radical rethinking of the distribution of the world’s economic, technological and environmental resources.

In this section

• narrowing gap in life expectancies between countries in next 50 years - major differences in survival outlook to persist
• devastating effects of disease on developing world’s population
• aging trend continues for Canada’s population
• Canada’s fertility rates drops for 10th straight year, reflecting a worldwide trend
• immigration levels in Canada expected to rise - bringing both challenges and opportunities
• Census 2001 underscores change and diversity of Canada’s population

To obtain an electronic copy (PDF) of this section or the complete report, please send a request by e-mail to the Strategic Policy and Planning Branch of the RCMP at web@rcmp-grc.gc.ca