New Canadian Census
3 Apr 2007
Initial data from the 2006 census were released by Stats Canada. Some of the highlights:
- Canada's population now sits at 31.6 million, compared to 30 million in 2001.
- Canada had a faster rate of population growth (5.4%) than any other member of the G8 group of industrialized nations between 2001 and 2006. The U.S. was in second place with a population growth of 5% during the same period.
- Two-thirds of Canada's population growth over the past five years was attributed to international migration.
- Alberta and Ontario were responsible for two-thirds of the increase in Canada's population during the last five years. Barrie, Ont. was the fastest growing census metropolitan area, followed by Calgary, which was next on the list.
- Nearly 25 million people or more than 80% of the population live in urban areas. The proportion of urban residents is similar in the U.S. but smaller in other G8 countries, with the exception of the United Kingdom, where it is close to 90%.