4.4 million people | News

[mr.x]

B.C. population tops 4.4 million
B.C. is also second-fastest growing as Canada's population hits 33 million

CanWest News Service
Published: Wednesday, December 19, 2007

VANCOUVER - British Columbia's population hit an estimated 4,402,900, the second fastest growth-rate among the provinces, according to figures released Wednesday.

Statistics Canada says B.C.'s increase due mainly to an increase in interprovincial migration. International migration accounted for nearly 60 per cent of B.C.'s growth.

More than 33 million people now live in Canada.

Saskatchewan has replaced Alberta as the fastest-growing province, with more than one million people for the first time since 2001.

The numbers are based on population counts from the 2001 Census.

As of Oct. 1, 2007, Canada's population was estimated at 33,091,200, up from 115,200 from July 1, 2007. It is the strongest growth rate in six years.

Provincially, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta had population growth rates higher than the rest of the country with Saskatchewan's population reaching a record high of 1,003,300.

Immigration also remained strong with Canada receiving an estimated 71,600 newcomers, an increase not seen in more than 30 years.

Alberta, which has typically led the provinces in population growth, has started to lose more people to other regions with provinces such as Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan benefiting the most.

The population of all four Atlantic provinces rose, but at a slower pace than the rest of Canada.

Prince Edward Island was the fastest-growing province in the Atlantic region. It also received more immigrants than ever before.

Newfoundland and Labrador's population was estimated at 507,500, up by 1,200, the highest increase since 1992.

New Brunswick also posted an increase, while Nova Scotia had the slowest population growth among the provinces of just below 1,000 people.

Manitoba, British Columbia and Ontario are the other provinces posting an immigration rate higher than the national level.

Ontario's population increased to an estimated 12,850,600, a faster growth rate than the rest of country due mainly to interprovincial migration.

However, Ontario's attraction for immigrants is declining.

The population of Quebec, the second most populous province, increased but at a slower rate than the national average.

The number of births in Quebec is still on the rise, and its rate of natural increase is second only to Alberta.

British Columbia's population hit an estimated 4,402,900, the second fastest growth-rate among the provinces, due mainly to an increase in interprovincial migration. International migration accounted for nearly 60 per cent of B.C.'s growth.

Manitoba saw a demographic increase slightly below the national rate although it is the province's strongest increase since 1983 due to strong influx of immigrants.

The only territory to post a faster demographic growth rate than the rest of the country was the Yukon, where the population reached 31,100.

Statistics Canada says the Northwest Territories was the only jurisdiction to record a decline in population, largely because of interprovincial migration while Nunavut posted one of the smallest population increases in its brief history. Without its strong birth rate, Nunavut's population would have declined.

[ChrisDVD]

Who congrats to Sask! They seemto be doing a good job ;)
Interesting to see that Alberta and Québec have the highest birth rates :D

[Rhino]

lol , what do they have in common I wonder ?

[isaidso]

Alberta has a very young population and a population that can afford kids. Quebec has a very aggressive policy in place to boost births in the province. More births throughout Canada would be great. We're too dependent on immigration to sustain population levels.

[nova9]

too dependent may be the case but what are the incentive that governments have in place for canadians to have children anyways?

do the reports show any statistics regarding how many immigrant families have children once arrived in canada - because that certainly also showcases the effect or the reliance on immigration.

[isaidso]

I'm not aware of any statistics on the birth rate amongst foreign born Canadians. Aggressive government measures to stimulate births are only prevalent in Quebec. I do not have details, but I believe they offer financial payments and possibly tax advantages to couples having children, especially 2 or more. They also offer generous maternity leave benefits in terms of financial compensation and duration. Birth rates in Quebec have risen substantially since the policies have been in place.

I'm not in favour of less immigration, but rather more immigration coupled with a higher birth rate. Canada needs more people.

[Rhino]

from an out side point of view , it seems the government in Quebec really cares about her people , more so then other Provincial rulers .

[isaidso]

They have more at stake than the rest of us or so they perceive. English Canada absorbs every other culture that arrives on it's shores which molds an ever changing domestic culture. French culture in Quebec tends to view the traditional Quebecois culture as the one to which all others must adapt to. In this sense, our culture and language is never at risk because we don't resist change. Quebec is very different in this regard.

There is a huge amount of fear that the French fact will erode and that their culture and language are under constant threat. Besides economic reasons, this is why their government seeks to boost birth rates. They view outsiders as a threat rather than an asset. They want strength in numbers and nice little French babies who will become nice Catholic people who love hockey and eat their tourtiere.

This is at the root of the disgusting reasonable accommodation debate in Quebec. They think it is THEIR province. 'Their' meaning traditional francophone culture over everyone else's culture. I understand the fear, but it is doomed to failure. There is a fatal flaw in linking the survival of French with the opposition to a changing culture. It is a xenophobic idea of France, and one that flies in the face of everything Canada stands for.

People in BC and Ontario don't share this view. To us, Canada is for everyone. No one is more Canadian than the next. We are all free to do what we want. The English language is protected in other ways. Even this is not deemed sacred in many circles. If most Canadians want to speak Mandarin 100 years from now, we'll simply all learn Mandarin. That's a very Canadian way of looking at it. It's a laissez-faire approach that shuns intervention by government so that the will of the people prevail.

A changing culture/language frightens many. Many resist it with every bit of energy they can muster. Some even react with out right hostility, but it is the Canadian way, and our greatest strength.

[Rhino]

It is sad , I have no issue having to take french in High school all those years ago , I would have hoped for something more Beneficial to me ( living in B.C. ) like chineese . But I underatood that it is Canada's second language . Maybe people from Quebec need to see out side the little bubble and notice that English is Canada's FIRST language and I think always will be .

[Rhino]

Anyways , I would like to see B.C. hit 5 Million by 2015 !

[Tri-City Guy]

Well I added to the list December 8th. LOL Then again I'm returning after just 4 years at UWaterloo and Western with my BES and BEd, so I don't know how they'd classify BC students out-of-province. Mind you I filled out the last census while in KW so I guess I know the answer already!

Loved KW but only liked London. I learned NOT to judge a place from a tourist gaze. London is just a tad too provincial in its mentality compared with the progressive orientation of Waterloo Region. Also, I liked KW's "townie" feel (dare I say GRT was better than London Transit....had you told me that a year ago I wouldn't have believed you) combined with its close (and cheap) proximity to the big smoke....TO. On the plus side of London...the riverbank Thames parks, Richmond Row, and the CBD's grid layout - though on the transit side this proves problematic with the buses frequency. London doesn't have expresses buses and late night service like KW, and quite frankly...it needs it and needs it bad!!

As for the universities if you want pretty old buildings but aren't too concerned with efficiency you'd like Western. However, on reflection Waterloo is far superior when it comes to access.....whether that be health care, library hours, getting an appointment, access to 24hr computer labs, your student card having more than one use, admin and financial aid etc.......Waterloo is far superior. You can also say what you want about 70s and 80s buildings but its a colourful and hilly campus. Western's beautiful buildings can get to seem grey after awhile. Back to efficency and access issues.....I feel bad when I was there as all students used to call Needles Hall (admin) - Needless Help or Needless Hell.....well after going to both uni's I've learnt not to judge them on superficial matters (as the old saying goes "don't judge a book by its cover") .....I'd say that nickname would be more fairly applied to the Stevenson Lawson Building at Western. OMG.....now that place is a needless hell!!

Anyway, its great to be back in BC!! Now if there is a god I'll get a good job. My $29,000 debt load doesn't sit well with me. LOL Imagine the shape I'd be in had I not received scholarships over $24,000.....yet I'm still in a hole. Know what is funny though - my scholarship was all from oil companies. I always have to laugh, particularly when you consider 1. I will not and refuse to drive a car. and 2. an environmental degree.....taking money from oil companies is kinda like sleeping with the devil. Now, watch....in three months you'll hear back from me and I'll be working for an oil company or better yet, BHP Billiton. LOL

[Rhino]

lol , that would be funny shit

[ChrisDVD]

They have more at stake than the rest of us or so they perceive. English Canada absorbs every other culture that arrives on it's shores which molds an ever changing domestic culture. French culture in Quebec tends to view the traditional Quebecois culture as the one to which all others must adapt to. In this sense, our culture and language is never at risk because we don't resist change. Quebec is very different in this regard.

There is a huge amount of fear that the French fact will erode and that their culture and language are under constant threat. Besides economic reasons, this is why their government seeks to boost birth rates. They view outsiders as a threat rather than an asset. They want strength in numbers and nice little French babies who will become nice Catholic people who love hockey and eat their tourtiere.

This is at the root of the disgusting reasonable accommodation debate in Quebec. They think it is THEIR province. 'Their' meaning traditional francophone culture over everyone else's culture. I understand the fear, but it is doomed to failure. There is a fatal flaw in linking the survival of French with the opposition to a changing culture. It is a xenophobic idea of France, and one that flies in the face of everything Canada stands for.

People in BC and Ontario don't share this view. To us, Canada is for everyone. No one is more Canadian than the next. We are all free to do what we want. The English language is protected in other ways. Even this is not deemed sacred in many circles. If most Canadians want to speak Mandarin 100 years from now, we'll simply all learn Mandarin. That's a very Canadian way of looking at it. It's a laissez-faire approach that shuns intervention by government so that the will of the people prevail.

A changing culture/language frightens many. Many resist it with every bit of energy they can muster. Some even react with out right hostility, but it is the Canadian way, and our greatest strength.

Maybe it's because French Canadians loves their culture, not because they believe its the best and everyone must be like that. I have notice that in québec, people are actually very culturly open. We love Asian, european, and African Cuisine... We have festivals regarding different cultures (music, etc)... but in Ontario (where i live now) most people would not watch a different-language movie (even with subtitles!) because it dosn't interest them. they only listen to English Music, read english literature.. etc. So even if they let alot of foreign people in... they are not that open to different cultures. they assimulate (right spelling?) them after 10-15 years. So, who is actually more Culturly open? the one that preserves their, but accept to learn aobut others? Or the one that lets everyone in but doesn't learn about it???

[Rhino]

I would have to disagree with you . sorry , I find people in Quebec more or less force their culture on others more then English people do .

[Kebec]

I will have to agree with ChrisDVD, he's absolutely right, and its not someone living the other side of canada like rhino that can arguee me.. Im not seperatist.. im federalist.. but I want to keep the way it is in my city. I dont want some foreigners to start to change everything, I mean they come here so they have to adapt to us and learn our language. Im tired of all those people who say quebec people are racist or whatever, wer not, if only you would be in our situation you would understand

[Rhino]

I dont think anyone said racist ( maybe in a different thread ) . But no one can argue that in Quebec , if someone said that english should be the forfront , there would be back lash . thats all Im saying . I think maybe B.C. should be the same but with English .
And is it true that some people are not allowed to got to English schools in Quebec unitll they learn french ? Im not sure that why Im asking .

[Daguy]

^^

The be all and end all truth of the matter is that promoting English isn't even necessary. English is here to stay.

Even if things were reversed where Quebec spoke English and the rest of the country spoke French, the rest of the country would still be learning English due to a certain country south of us who has 10 times our population and is the most influencial country in the world politically.

It is the very fact that the majority language is the English language that threatens Quebec keeping French. If it was some other language that is not so important for Global communication it really wouldn't have the same effect.

[malek]

^^

The be all and end all truth of the matter is that promoting English isn't even necessary. English is here to stay.

Even if things were reversed where Quebec spoke English and the rest of the country spoke French, the rest of the country would still be learning English due to a certain country south of us who has 10 times our population and is the most influencial country in the world politically.

It is the very fact that the majority language is the English language that threatens Quebec keeping French. If it was some other language that is not so important for Global communication it really wouldn't have the same effect.


Its not about learning english or not, thats the not the point. Its about the everyday language and culture that must be protected and not become a second louisiana. English is learnt at grade 1, but people here don't want to loose their french. Since Québec isn't an independant country, its unilingual status is always debated over and over, refugees think they landed in an english speaking country and don't understand why french must be talked and learnt. A minority telling another minority what to do? It doesn't compute for many.

And isaidso you have twisted things about Québec in a very bad way, i think we need a PM chat :) so not to clutter anymore this thread.

[ChrisDVD]

To answer your question, Rhino... Its kinda true.
When i was in grade 5, wemove frome a french-seaking town to a more bilingual plac ein Québéc. My parents are people who believe that Englsih is useful, so they wanted us to go to an Englsih School. But we couldn't since none of our parents were englsih.
But anyway, i think it is the same for immigrants... they must learn French First i think.... part of Loi 101. not so sure.. maybe someone that knows more about Loi 101 could back me up???

[Rhino]

hmmm that makes no sence . that would be like landing in the U.S. and being told you cant learn English unitll you learn Spanish .

[ChrisDVD]

Well, to me it make sense. Before, many immigrants entering Montreal would Learn English. Sure, English is more use in Canada, but not in Québec. if they want to learn a language, it should be french first. Also, how would a Montrealer 'de souche' feel if an immigrant comes, and learns englsih, and lives in Englsih? Not so good, thus making the situation not good between the immigrants and the Canadians. But if they learn french first, Perhaps it would ease the situation.... and they can live together in French... Nothing will stop the immigrant from learning English After. Its a matter of Protecting the Language. Since Bill 101, immigrants have been wanting to learn french more then before, according to a study. they accept the fact that Québec and Montréal are french, and that is how they want to remain. If they want to learn English and live in English, their is always Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, etc. their isn't much tension for that subject anymore i think.... but i might be wrong.

[Rhino]

they should have their own choice , in my books . if someone move to B.C. we dont say " you must learn English ahead of everything " .

[malek]

they should have their own choice , in my books . if someone move to B.C. we dont say " you must learn English ahead of everything " .

you don't get it. Thats because your immigrant in BC WILL HAVE TO learn english to get a half decent job, he has no choice. Here in Montreal some anglophones still make it in english only.

Its a bit naive to say that immigrants have to learn the language of their choice... as long as its english.:lol:

[Rhino]

yeah I didnt say it had to be english , I said it should be their choice .

[ChrisDVD]

True. Its a free country after all.
Just wondering what is your idea in BC.. so here are a few Questions?
Would alot of BCers support the Chinese use their language for school and business in the Chinese comunity? Or would most of them want them to use English? Just wondering....
Also, for people who think Québec is not doing the right thing by protecting their culture..you have to understand this.... its all we have left aobut who we are. It is what makes us different from the rest of Canada. It is what makes us hold together. It is what makes FRench Canadians United. Their is Chemistry which can't be explain between ourselves. Just so you understand better.
The other day, i was in BelleVille shopping with my mom (it is an Anglophone city in Ontario) and i was at Stitches. then i ask a lady a Question, and turns out she is French, From québec. But of couse, it did not end there. My mom was talking to her alot and they had a good short conversation. My mom and her have nothing in Common. Age is different, style, hobbies, jobs, EVERYTHING execpt that they were both French Canadians. Now strange enough... each time we go to the mall we go to stitches and talk to her a bit. Its a Chemistry that Québécois have, thats all i can say? but do you see my point?
Our province is not the limits of Québec. Just say, that Québec turns English, and we make a fortune, Kick TO's ass, become the financial center of Canada (lets say now it is the year 2060) Québec would have disappear. It would be vanished, because the culture has left, and the thing that united us has dissapear. Our idendity would have been destroyed, and Québec would not be an soul, but a land between Ontario and New-brunswick.

I know what you are saying by telling them what to do and its not right, but do you understand what i am trying to tell you, Rhino? Here is my thesis: Québec is a Soul, not a Province with borders. :D It's pretty good, i think i will put it in my signature!!! :P

[Rhino]

Would alot of BCers support the Chinese use their language for school and business in the Chinese comunity? Or would most of them want them to use English? Just wondering....

On busses , and even on buisness we already have chineese lettering ( next to english ) .
http://www.canadafirst.net/pictures/td2.jpg
I know of more the a few branches in Vancouver and even in Edmonton where writen right on the TD sign is chinese

http://www.orwelltoday.com/china100.jpg
http://www.witiger.com/internationalbusiness/socialculturalenvironmentSpadina.jpg

now , No we as english speaking people I dont think give a shit .
If they started to complain that there should be more chinese on everything , well then I believe they would be put in thier place .

and no there is nothing wrong with protecting your culture . But when people get snarky becuase others dont care as much as they do about it , it changes from protecting to forcing it on others .

[malek]

you are again mixing chinese (I suppose its mandarin) used by some companies for getting more clients to chinese being used as an official language by the govt or even simpler the language to be used at your workplace.

Imagine that, you get hired and you notice that everyone speaks a language that you don't understand, they expect you to speak since its the most used language in the world ;)

Or one day, chinese start to complain so they can have schools that teach them only in chinese and english is only an after thought.

[ChrisDVD]

@ Rhino
I saw that in Toronto too, I think its ok in their Chinatown... but one thing i don't understand... some ATM Machine will have Chinese, Mandarin, Korean, Philipine, etc.... but not French. Toronto has a quite a big French Community.... I tihnk that is exagerating, but i wouldn't go complain to the city because of that..... anyway... i have homeworks ;)

[Daguy]

The major problem with learning Mandarin or Catonese is that it is pretty hard for an anglophone to learn.

French is overall pretty easy to learn due to lexical and grammatical similarities between English and French. Pronunciation is largely different, but for those who learn the other language in school at a fairly young age this isn't a problem.

It is also very useful to allow branching into other European languages, in particular Spanish which is a growing and important language. I took French for 10 years in school, and I credit it to be the reason it was easy for me to learn Spanish.

The tone system and the completely different lexicon makes Chinese languages really difficult to me, and as someone who speaks several languages I think my opinion is pretty valid. Learning some basics is one thing, but for anglophones to master a Chinese language it is pretty tough.

[ChrisDVD]

makes sense.... FRench allows you to learn Romance language easily.. like Spanish, Italain, Latin (and portugese???)...

[Rhino]

Or one day, chinese start to complain so they can have schools that teach them only in chinese and english is only an after thought

isnt this the same thing that the French are doing now >?

[Rumors]

I'm going to ask you this question again what are Canada's official languages. ^^ :ohno:

[Rhino]

and I said before I never said they wernt what the are .

[Rumors]

Have you ever been to Montreal. ^^ :)

[malek]

isnt this the same thing that the French are doing now >?

so thats why I can type and speak english even though i have been through a French speaking bunch of schools, college and university. I barely ever use English in my day to day work, friends or at home.

[Rhino]

First : lets reiterate my original comment

It is sad , I have no issue having to take french in High school all those years ago , I would have hoped for something more Beneficial to me ( living in B.C. ) like chineese . But I underatood that it is Canada's second language . Maybe people from Quebec need to see out side the little bubble and notice that English is Canada's FIRST language and I think always will be .

So , if anyone wants to keep asking my what I think Canada's 2 official languages are please RE READ this , as many times as you like .

Secondly , all youve done is proven that some people from Quebec cannot take ANY , I mean ANY sort of criticism towards French .

In MY opinion , speaking mandrin would be more beneficial then speaking French . It just is . thats my oppinion , Im NOT saying change the second language to chinese , ( see in quotes again ) im not saying fuck the french , im saying what I think would help me and people in my position to advance . Once again , this is an opinion .


PS , I have not used french in ten years . I probably wont again ( because based on where I am ) its not used really at all . But I still dont say it is not the second language .

[Rhino]

no , I have not been to Montreal , I would like to go though , I think its a beautiful place .

[Transportfan]

...but one thing i don't understand... some ATM Machine will have Chinese, Mandarin, Korean, Philipine, etc.... but not French. Toronto has a quite a big French Community....

Because those Toronto francophones are few in number and would speak perfect english. The banks/stores who installed those ATM's are catering to demand, not trying to comply with the official Languages Act.

[malek]

In MY opinion

its ok, it wasn't clear.


Pedophiles have an opinion that its alright to migle with children, it doesn't mean they're right:lol:


ok i'm just messing around ;)

[Rhino]

Pedophiles have an opinion that its alright to migle with children, it doesn't mean they're right


ok i'm just messing around

Well then , as long as your kidding .