Statistics Canada has been looking into its crystal ball to see population projections for Canada and the provinces. In all scenarios, immigration would be the key driver. Between the year 200 and 20128, Canada’s population grew by about 6 million people to 37.1 million. In the next 50 years, our numbers could hit as high as 70 million. Alberta is expected to have the highest growth among provinces over the next 25 years and could surpass the population of British Columbia by 2043. Considerable growth is anticipated in Saskatchewan as well. By 2043, the combined populations of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta could surpass Quebec’s population.
Variations in population aging are going to occur across Canada. In 2043, the Atlantic Provinces are expected to have the largest proportion of those 65 and older. The proportion is expected to be lower than the national average in Saskatchewan.