Wall Pleased With Census Results

Premier Brad Wall

Saskatchewan is growing, according to the latest census numbers.

The numbers released yesterday show a population growth of 6.7 percent over the last 5 years which puts our province at 1,033,381 residents.

"From 1996 to 2006, we lost 11,000 people in both periods. In this most recent period, 2006 to today we are up over 60,000 new Saskatchewan residents," said Premier Brad Wall in an interview after getting an opportunity to look over the numbers.

And Wall says the figures show that the growth is not limited to cities either, with 80% of towns also showing some form of growth. He notes that jobs are a key component in gaining new residents, as well quality of life including education and healthcare and that the province has a lot to offer in that regard.

But with the expansion comes a fair share of challenges as well, such as housing and infrastructure issues. "We're going to continue with our plan to keep up with those challenges because we don't want to get in the way of our own success in Saskatchewan," Wall noted saying that his government will be ready to meet any obstacles that may be on the way.

Premier Brad Wall on the 2011 Census numbers...