Data sources, methods and definitions

Data sources

Demographic estimates are released on a regular basis, making it possible to follow the changes in population growth and age structure of the provinces, territories and a few other sub-regions. Postcensal estimates are based on the most recent census available (in this case, the 2011 Census), are adjusted for net census undercoverage, and take various population growth components into account.

Population projections are released every five years by Statistics Canada. They paint a picture of how population growth and age structure might evolve, based on various plausible evolution scenarios. Statistics Canada consults its various partners when developing its population projections—the provinces and territories in particular—on the methods, and when formulating the assumptions on various components of population growth. This paper also uses the projections of the diversity of the Canadian population 2006-2031 as computed by Demosim, the microsimulation model.

Finally, data from the Census of Population and the National Household Survey were used, particularly in the section on the ethnocultural characteristics of the Canadian population.

The descriptive analysis of this article is based on various indicators: population growth; natural increase; international migratory increase; interprovincial migratory increase; the proportion of individuals born in or outside the province of residence; the proportion of individuals aged 65 and over, born abroad or belonging to a visible minority; and the population share (in percentage) of the provinces and territories.

Definitions

Natural increase is the difference between births and deaths. This is how a population grows or declines when there is no migration.

International migratory increase is the difference between immigrants and emigrants and also includes net non-permanent residents.^Note 1

Interprovincial migratory increase is the difference between in-migrants and out-migrants in each province or territory. It is the balance of internal migration exchanges between these provinces and territories.

Notes