Section 6: Population
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Population growth, distribution and density are major factors in determining the impacts that human activities have on the environment. Canada's population has expanded considerably since 1901, when there were 5.4 million Canadians (Table 6.1). However, growth rates have not been consistent over time. Two historical periods were characterized by high annual population growth rates. The first was from 1901 to 1911, when high immigration resulted in annual growth rates of up to 3%. The second period of high growth followed the end of the Second World War and is generally referred to as the 'baby boom.' In contrast two periods of slow economic activity (1891 to 1901 and 1931 to 1941) coincided with slumps in population growth rates.
Population growth is generally the result of two factors: natural increase and immigration. In the last few decades international migration has become a more important factor in population growth than natural increase (Table 6.2). Tables 6.3 and 6.4 present population statistics for Canada's broad ecozones.
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