Manitoba's population is climbing and that is great news for Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen.

“Our population is now estimated at more than 1.3 million people and our population growth rate has far exceeded Canada’s growth rate for the past six years,” said Cullen.

“Our record-breaking 12-month growth rate was also the second highest of any province.”

Cullen says it is great to have lots of people coming to Manitoba but he says the government also tries to monitor the number of people leaving and why.

“It is important to know what factors are driving growth and movement.”

Manitoba's population grew 1.71 percent at 22,147 people.

Cullen noted some other population statistics:

  • Manitoba welcomed 17,238 immigrants over the 12 months ending June 30.
  • Total net migration was a record-breaking inflow of 15,451 individuals from other jurisdictions. This net inflow marks the eighth consecutive 12-month period with a net inflow of more than 8,000 migrants, with four of those 12-month periods more than 10,500. 
  • Manitobans gave birth to 17,372 babies over this period.  This is the highest number of births for a July to June period since 1989-90.  Births have increased 3,626 or 26.4 per cent, compared to a low of 13,746 in 2001-02.

Approximately two-thirds of Manitoba’s immigrants over the period ending June 30 were provincial nominees.

“Immigration will continue to be an important element of our government's plan for job and economic growth” said Cullen.