Migration

Data are now available on the number of individuals who moved from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, including those who relocated within their own province, those who moved from one province to another, and those who moved into or out of the country.

Just over 1.22 million individuals moved during this period, down from 1.29 million in 1999/2000.

Of these, an estimated 269,000 people changed provinces or territories and about 887,000 moved from one census division to another within their province or territory. Interprovincial migration was lowest since 1992/93, and intraprovincial migration was the second lowest during this period.

Among census divisions, for the third year in a row, the Regional Municipality of York, north of Toronto, had the largest positive net migration relative to its population. In 2000/01, York gained 51 people from migration for every 1,000 living there. The Regional Municipality of Peel, west of Toronto, posted the second largest net migration, 33 migrants per 1,000 people.

Division No. 16, in northeast Alberta, also experienced a net migration of 33 people per 1,000 inhabitants. Among others, this census division includes the municipality of Fort McMurray, which is experiencing a high level of activity as a result of large investments in oilsands development.

Among census metropolitan areas (CMAs), Toronto not only recorded the highest net inflow of people (106,185), but also registered the highest rate of migrants relative to its population, with 22 migrants per 1,000 people living there. With a net migration of 19 people per 1,000, Windsor ranked second, followed by Calgary at 17 people per 1,000.

The positive net migration of individuals in the three largest census metropolitan areas - Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver - was the result of the arrival of international migrants. Without these migrants, there would be more people leaving these three CMAs than arriving.

International immigrants represented two-thirds of the people who moved into Toronto. An additional 21% arrived from elsewhere in the province, and 13% came from other provinces.

Most people (65%) who left the CMA of Toronto moved to another region within Ontario. An additional 19% moved to another province, primarily British Columbia, Quebec and Alberta. About 16% moved outside the country.

Note: These migration data were derived by comparing addresses supplied on personal income tax returns filed in the spring of 2000 and 2001. They were adjusted to the July total population estimates. They reflect intraprovincial moves between CMAs or census divisions (sub-provincial geographic areas such as counties, regional districts, and regional or district municipalities), as well as interprovincial and international movements. Moves across town or across the street are excluded. To calculate total population change, both migration and natural increase (births minus deaths) must be taken into account.

Migration estimates (91C0025, various prices) are available for the provinces and territories, CMAs and census divisions. Four tables covering these levels of geography provide data on origin and destination, as well as the age and sex of migrants.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Client Services (1-866-652-8443; 613-951-9720; fax: 1-866-652-8444 or 613-951-4745; saadinfo@statcan.gc.ca), Small Area and Administrative Data Division.