Migration

Data are now available on the number of individuals who moved from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002, 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.

There were 1.65 million individuals who moved during this period, up from 1.51 million in 2000/01, a 9% increase.

Of these people who moved, more than 290,000 changed provinces or territories, up 8% from 2000/01. Nearly 991,000 moved from one census division to another within their province or territory, up 12%.

Among census divisions, the regional municipality of York, just north of Toronto, had the largest net gain from migration at 42,396, or 55 people for every 1,000. It was the sixth year in a row that York had the highest per capita increase in population resulting from migration among census divisions.

The vast majority (79%) of the people who moved into York came from the Toronto census division. Relative to the size of its population, Division No. 16 in Alberta, in which Fort McMurray is located, ranked second with a net gain of 49 migrants per 1,000 people. Peel, west of Toronto, was third with a net increase of 38 people for every 1,000.

Among census metropolitan areas, Toronto gained 22 migrants per 1,000 people. Toronto had the highest rate and the highest inflow of people, gaining 105,221. Calgary gained 18 people per 1,000 inhabitants, followed closely by Oshawa, with a gain of 17 people per 1,000.

Two-thirds (66%) of the newcomers in the census metropolitan area of Toronto, and just over one-half (51%) of the newcomers in Vancouver came from outside the country. In contrast, only 43% in Montréal and 36% in Windsor did so.

At the provincial level, when taking into account the relative size of the population, Alberta and Ontario showed the same rates of gain from migration, with 13 people per 1,000 inhabitants. British Columbia placed a distant third with a gain of seven per 1,000.

In terms of income, people who moved into these three provinces tended to be in income ranges below the provincial median income. (The median is the point where exactly one half of incomes are higher and half are lower). For example, the median income of migrants into Ontario was $23,300. This was 94% of the provincial median income ($24,900). Migrants into Alberta had a median income of $20,200 or 82% of the provincial median income ($24,500). British Columbian in-migrants reported $19,000 or 86% of the provincial median income ($22,100).

Note: Migration data were derived by comparing addresses supplied on personal income tax returns filed in the spring of 2001 and 2002. They were adjusted to the July total population estimates. They reflect intraprovincial moves between census metropolitan areas or census divisions (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, census metropolitan areas and census divisions. Five tables covering these levels of geography provide data on origin and destination, as well as the age, the sex and the median income 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.