The 2021 census data for the Maritimes shows the three provinces have largely succeeded in reversing a decades-long decline in population over the past five years, thanks to a steady influx of Canadians from other provinces and immigrants from other countries.
The numbers illustrate a remarkable shift for a region once famous for routinely losing too many of its young people to other provinces.
Newfoundland and Labrador, however, was the only province in Canada to record a decline in population, which can be blamed on out-migration linked to falling world oil prices and the completion of two energy mega projects: the Hebron offshore oil platform and the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in Labrador.
Here’s a look at the data:
Nova Scotia:
2021 population: 969,383
2016 population: 923,598
Population percentage change: 5.0 per cent
Total private dwellings: 476,007
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 223,253
Population density per square kilometre: 1.4
Land area in square kilometres: 358,170
Some communities with the most growth:
Wolfville, 20.5 per cent
Some communities with the least growth:
Colchester County, -4.7 per cent
Clare, -4.2 per cent
New Brunswick:
2021 population: 775,610
2016 population: 747,101
Population percentage change: 3.8 per cent.
Total private dwellings: 366,146
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 337,651
Population density per square kilometre: 10.9
Land area in square kilometre: 71,248
Newfoundland and Labrador:
2021 population: 510,550
2016 population: 519,716
Population percentage change: -1.8 per cent.
Total private dwellings: 269,184
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 223,253
Population density per square kilometre: 1.4
Land area in square kilometre: 358,170
Prince Edward Island:
2021 population: 154,331
2016 population: 142,907
Population percentage change: 8.0 per cent
Total private dwellings: 74,934
Private dwellings occupied by usual residents: 64,570
Population density per square kilometre: 27.2
Land area in square kilometre: 5,681.18
Some communities with the most growth:
Cornwall, 22.9 per cent
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2022
The Canadian Press
