CANADA HISTORY - DOCUMENTS NEWS

1991 Canada & Provinces Population (%) Change since/de 1986

Analysis of the Document - (The Document follows below the Analysis)

The 1991 population data of Canada and its provinces, reflecting changes since 1986, provides a critical insight into the demographic shifts shaping the nation's development. Population growth was uneven, driven by factors like migration patterns, economic opportunities, and fertility rates. Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta saw higher percentages of growth, largely due to economic booms and immigration. Meanwhile, other regions, including parts of Atlantic Canada, experienced slower growth or population decline, illustrating the ongoing challenges of regional economic disparities.

These demographic changes had far-reaching implications for Canada's political and economic landscape. Provinces with growing populations gained greater representation in Parliament, increasing their influence on national policies. Moreover, the migration trends pointed to deeper regional imbalances, where certain provinces attracted economic migrants while others faced outmigration. This pattern highlighted the long-standing east-west economic divide in Canada, with the western provinces emerging as economic powerhouses while the eastern provinces, particularly in the Atlantic region, struggled with declining populations and economic stagnation.

The population data also influenced federal-provincial relations, particularly in terms of funding for health care, education, and social services. Provinces with significant population growth demanded increased federal transfers to meet the needs of their expanding populations. This demand led to debates over the fairness of the equalization program, designed to ensure that all provinces have sufficient resources to provide comparable levels of public services. The population shifts therefore intensified discussions about the allocation of federal funds and the sustainability of social programs across the country.

Culturally, the 1991 population data reflected Canada's growing diversity, particularly in urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Immigration contributed significantly to population growth, and by the early 1990s, Canada was becoming increasingly multicultural. This demographic reality reinforced Canada's identity as a multicultural society, influencing policies on immigration, citizenship, and cultural integration.

In the broader context of Canadian history, the 1991 population figures marked a moment of transition. Canada was entering a period of economic globalization, with shifting demographics playing a central role in shaping its future. The uneven growth between provinces reflected the ongoing challenges of regional economic disparity, while the increasing cultural diversity underscored Canada's evolution as a pluralistic society. The data from 1991 thus serves as a key marker in understanding the forces that shaped Canada in the final decade of the 20th century.

Canada & Provinces 1991 Population

(%) Change since/de 1986 ------------------------------------------------------------

Newfoundland (T-N) 568 474 (2.1%) +125 (0.0%)

Nova Scotia (N-E) 899 942 (3.3%) +26 766 (3.1%)

PEI (IP-E) 129 765 (0.5%) +3 119 (2.5%)

New Brunswick (NB) 723 900 (2.7%) +14 458 (2.0%)

Quebec 6 895 963 (25.3%) +363 502 (5.6%)

Ontario 10 084 885 (36.9%) +983 191 (10.8%)

Manitoba 1 091 942 (4.0%) +28 926 (2.7%)

Saskatchewan 988 928 (3.6%) -20 685 (-2.0%)

Alberta 2 545 553 (9.3%) +179 728 (7.6%)

BC (C-B) 282 061 (12.0%) +398 694 (13.8%)

NWT (TN-O) 57 649 (0.2%) +5 411 (10.4%)

Yukon 27 797 (0.1%) +4 293 (18.3%) ------------------------------------------------------------

CANADA 27 296 859 (100%) +1 987 528 (7.9%) Source: StatsCan