New Brunswick is officially growing again. Statistics Canada revised its recent population estimates, turning a previously reported decline into a noticeable increase. As of July 1, the province boasts 883,522 residents. This represents a jump of nearly 5,000 people since April.

According to a recent report by CBC News, the federal agency updated its numbers going back five years. A previously recorded drop of over 3,000 people is now an official increase of 3,838.

Why the Numbers Changed

Statistics Canada routinely updates its estimates. This specific revision is larger than usual because the agency integrated new data sources. Stacey Hallman, an analyst at Statistics Canada, told CBC News the agency now uses data from the Canada Border Services Agency. This new information tracks temporary residents, including international students, and accounts for people who leave the country when their permits expire.

The agency also adjusted the estimates based on permanent resident permit extensions.

What This Means for Your Community

If you live in Saint John or surrounding areas, you already feel the impact of a growing population. More people means a larger tax base and more federal transfer payments. It also means increased demand for housing and public services.

Moncton economist Richard Saillant told CBC News the revision matters for the provincial economy. When early numbers suggested a shrinking population, experts anticipated relief in housing availability. The updated growth figures confirm that pressure on the housing market continues.

“There is a lot at stake obviously, and it goes to public finances, but also the stress on public services,” Saillant said in his interview with CBC. He expects the province to see an annual population growth of about one percent based on federal immigration targets.

The Driving Forces Behind the Growth

New Brunswick still records more deaths than births. The population growth relies entirely on people moving to the province. While some new residents arrive from other parts of Canada, international migration is the primary driver.

“The largest sources of growth in New Brunswick tend to be international migration and the largest parts of international migration are permanent immigrants and non permanent residents,” Hallman said.

Nationally, population growth is slowing down due to recent changes in federal immigration policy. However, New Brunswick continues to experience the lingering effects of its pandemic population boom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current population of New Brunswick?

As of July 1, the population of New Brunswick is 883,522.

Why did Statistics Canada revise the population estimates?

The agency incorporated new data from the Canada Border Services Agency to better track temporary residents and international students with expired permits.

Is the population growing naturally?

No. New Brunswick experiences more deaths than births. The population growth comes from international and interprovincial migration.

How does this impact housing in New Brunswick?

Continued population growth maintains high demand for housing. This puts ongoing pressure on availability and affordability across the province.