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Big jump in population Largest quarterly increase ever recorded in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s population has hit a new all-time high of 1,057,884 people following the largest quarterly population jump ever recorded since Statistics Canada starting keeping quarterly population estimates. Between April 1, 2011 and July 1, 2011, Saskatchewan grew by 5,444 people. This growth consisted of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,524, net interprovincial migration of 1,239 and net international migration of 2,681. Saskatchewan saw net inmigration from most other provinces including Ontario (641 people), Alberta (423 people) and Manitoba (147 people). Premier Brad Wall said the new population numbers show the continued strength of the Saskatchewan’s economy. “People move where the opportunities are and right now, there are a lot more
people moving into Saskatchewan than moving out,” Wall said, September 28. “It wasn’t too long ago that the situation was completely reversed and more people were moving away. Today, Saskatchewan is on the right track and our government is working hard to make sure it stays that way.” Since the current government took office, Saskatchewan has grown by over 50,000 people -- from 1,007,614 in January 1, 2008 to 1,057,884 on July 1, 2011. That is the largest population growth during a single term of office for any government since 1925 to 1929. “There were those who said it would be impossible for Saskatchewan to grow by 100,000 people in 10 years, which is really only growing at the national average,” Wall said. “The fact is -- Saskatchewan has been growing by far more
The race is on! . . . Two squirts squirt through an inflatable obstacle course at the Third Avenue Park, September 24. The Biggar Youth Activity Club held a
‘Back To School Kickoff’, featuring Sumo wrestling, bungee runs, food, fun and a whole lot of laughs.
than the national average for several years now. We’re up 50,000 people in just three and a half years, so hitting 1.1 million people by 2015 is well within reach.” Saskatchewan’s population is also
the past year. In fact, since 2007, Saskatchewan’s median age has dropped from 38.0 to 37.3. Wall said this reflects the fact that more young people and young families are choosing to stay in Saskatchewan or are moving back to Saskatchewan.
bucking the national trend by getting younger. The median age in Saskatchewan is now 37.3 years. That’s the second-lowest among the provinces and Saskatchewan is one of only two provinces to see its median age get younger in
(Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
“That means good things for our province’s future,” Wall said. “A growing population and economy provides a growing tax base which allows government to lower taxes and fund important government services like health care, highways and education.”
Agriculture Month supports future leaders
Time stand still . . . Town of Biggar foreman, Richard Olson, steadies a timepiece, prominently featured on the corner of Third Avenue and Main at the former site of the Chicken Corral. The site will be lit and also feature a gazebo. The town is also working on lights at the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud proclaimed October as Agriculture Month in Saskatchewan. In recognition of Agriculture Month, the federal and provincial governments are investing in future leaders of the agriculture industry, Bjornerud said, September 27. The federal and provincial governments are committing an additional $100,000 in Growing Forward funding to Saskatchewan’s Agriculture in the Classroom Program in 2011-12. “Agriculture is the backbone of this country, and we encourage everyone to celebrate Canadian farmers this month and every month,” said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “We are pleased to support the education of energetic and entrepreneurial new entrants to this sector. Together we will ensure the sector remains successful and prosperous for years to come.” “Our government is committed to supporting our province’s youth, who are vital to the future success of the agriculture industry,” Bjornerud said. “We are pleased to provide this additional funding to help Agriculture in the Classroom teach our young people about farming and ranching in Saskatchewan.” Funding for Agriculture in the Classroom will go toward the development of interactive agriculture-based educational resources. The Saskatchewan 4-H program also benefits from this announcement as a portion of the
funding will go to joint 4-H and Agriculture in the Classroom initiatives. This new funding, which was recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Youth Advisory Committee, brings the total support for Agriculture in the Classroom to $150,000 in 2011-12. In addition, Bjornerud also announced the launch of the second annual Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship. The Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship provides 10 scholarships worth $1,000 each to 10 Saskatchewan students entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies. Students in Grade 12 and recent graduates from across Saskatchewan are eligible to submit a written or video essay. Agriculture Month celebrates the people who work in the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan. Agriculture is directly or indirectly responsible for roughly one in four jobs and generates billions of dollars for the Saskatchewan economy. This includes areas such farming and ranching, sales, manufacturing, research, veterinary science and processing. “Saskatchewan farmers, ranchers and everyone involved in the agriculture industry work extremely hard and deserve to be recognized for their efforts,” Bjornerud said. “Agriculture Month is a great time to thank everyone who contributes to our world-class industry.”