Province's population grows for 12 consecutive quarters (condensed version of media release issued by Communications NB on March 25/10)

The population of New Brunswick increased during the past 12 consecutive quarters (36 months), according to the latest Statistics Canada figures. This means there has been a net increase of 5,778 people since January 2007. By comparison, New Brunswick's population declined by 4,263 people in the 12 quarters before January 2007.

The growth in the New Brunswick population resulted in part from a positive net interprovincial migration in 2009 for the first time since 1990. New Brunswick welcomed more than 1,900 immigrants last year.

Last year, the province increased the Multicultural Grants Program and invested about $1 million in settlement services. The province also provided $186,000 to organizations to encourage young New Brunswickers to live and work in the province.