Abstract

Between 1996 and 2001, the nation's population increased by 1 160 333 people, a gain of 4%. Canada has experienced one of the smallest census-to-census growth rates in its population. The Census counted 30 007 094 people in Canada on May 15, 2001, compared with 28 846 761 in 1996. Only three provinces and one territory registered growth rates above the national average of 4%. Alberta's population surged by 10.3%, compared with 5.9% between 1991 and 1996. Ontario gained 6.1%, British Columbia 4.9% and Nunavut 8.1%.

Six provinces experienced small changes in population (less than 1.5% in either direction): Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The population of Newfoundland and Labrador declined for the second consecutive census period (by 7%). Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories also showed declines of more than 5%.

Source: Adapted from Statistics Canada, Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions, Census Subdivisions (Municipalities) and Designated Places, 2001 and 1996 Censuses — 100% data, Catalogue number 93F0050XDB01003.