New numbers from Statistics Canada show less people live in Saskatchewan than five years ago but two local politicians aren't buying it.

 

Saskatchewan’s 2006 population was 968,157 in 2006, down 10,776 from 2001. Statistics Canada has released those numbers this week as first data from the 2006 Census.

Significant losses are outlined when it comes to migration exchanges with other provinces, especially neighboring Alberta, accounted for much of the decline.

But local NDP MLA Glenn Hagel says the numbers are preliminary and they'll be adjusted. "They're also from a time earlier in the spring and we know we've had population growth since that time because of the strength of our economy in the fact people are moving to or back to Saskatchewan."

Interesting to note, Saskatchewan had higher fertility than any other province, an average of 1.9 children per woman since 2001.

When it comes to Moose Jaw numbers we actually grew in the last 5 years but only by one person. Statistics Canada census numbers show Moose Jaw's population is up 32,132 people.

City Councillor Al Schwinghamer was mayor for the years included in the census and says those numbers are always low. He believes our population could be up as much as 10% higher than reported for the last 5 years. "There are so many positive things on the horizon for Moose Jaw. When you take a look at the oil and gas drilling taking place around here... that can do nothing but help increase industrial activity."

Taking a look at some other numbers, Regina's population went up slightly to just over 179,000 people while Saskatoon grew by three percent and is still our biggest city with just over 202,000 people.