Quebec’s population continued to grow in 2014, but slower than previously, due mainly to a higher number of deaths and a slightly lower number of births.
The Institute of Quebec Statistics said that as of the 1st July 2015, Quebec’s population grew to 8,260,000 inhabitants. The population grew by 60,500 people in 2014, a growth rate of 7.4 per thousand.
According to the ISQ, the number of deaths was particularly high because of the flu. There were 63,000 deaths in 2014, an increase of 2200 compared to 2013. During the previous 10 years, there was an annual increase of approximately 600 deaths.
The Institute notes that the flu season was unusually early and severe in 2014-2015 and that many deaths were recorded during the month of December. As for the number of births, it was 87,700, a lower level than what was registered during the period 2009 to 2013, when the number of births was 88,00.
To combat a low population growth rate, Quebec maintains a robust immigration program with annual immigration levels in the range of 50,000, the highest of all provinces. By 2025 immigration will account for 100% of labour market growth in the province. Quebec plans to announce its new immigration policies in early 2016.
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