Canadian Megatrends: From east to west: 140 years of interprovincial migration

Released: 2017-02-24

Throughout the country's history, Canadians have been on the move. The migration of the Canadian-born population between provinces—or interprovincial migration—has been a constant feature of national life.

This month's edition of Canadian Megatrends looks at the history of interprovincial migration from 1871 to 2011. Using census records, the article looks at the number of Canadians who have uprooted over the decades, the province where they originated and where they decided to settle.

Chart 1 
Canadians living in a province/territory other than their province/territory of birth, number and percentage of the population born in Canada, 1871 to 2011 

The data show how global and local events, such as the two world wars and the expansion of the oil industry in Western Canada, have affected the movement of Canadians.

They also reveal the long history of the Canadian-born population's tendency to move west. Since their creation, the western provinces have always had the highest proportions of Canadians born in other provinces.

Products

The article "From east to west: 140 years of interprovincial migration," which is part of Canadian Megatrends (Catalogue number11-630-X), is now available.

Contact information

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; STATCAN.infostats-infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; STATCAN.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.STATCAN@canada.ca).