Not all rural areas are in decline.
Declining and aging population as well as youth out-migration in many but not all rural areas.
Although the population of rural Canada increased by 1.1% over 2001 to 2006, approximately 55% of rural communities lost population.
Between 2001 and 2006, the growth in and stability of rural Canada's population was concentrated in 45% of rural communities: rural communities adjacent to urban centres, those that are amenity-rich and remote rural areas with Aboriginal populations (with high birth rates) have gained population.
- Population in urban-adjacent communities increased 4.9% over 2001 and 2006.
- Population growth in amenity-rich communities [e.g. Sylvan Lake, Alta. (+36.1%); Wasaga Beach, Ont. (+21.1%); Sainte-Adèle, Que. (+15.4%)]
- Population in the rural territories increased 8.7% over 2001 and 2006.
Some provinces' rural communities gained population over 2001 and 2006 (e.g. Alta (+4%); Ont. (+2.5%); Que. and Man. (+2.4%); BC (+0.7%) while other provinces' rural communities lost population (N.L (-5.6%); Sask. (-4.6%); N.B. (-2.2%); N.S. (-1.8%); P.E.I. (-1.3%).
Aboriginal people comprised 9.3% of Canada's rural population in 2006, up from 8.2% in 2001. Rural Manitoba had the largest share of aboriginal population (25.4%), followed by rural Saskatchewan (20.9%), rural British Columbia (12.2%), and rural Alberta (11.9%).
Aboriginal peoples represent a potential growing labour force for rural but need skills and education.
Rural areas are generally aging faster than urban areas.
The share of seniors in rural Canada increased by 17% over 1996 to 2006 compared to 13% for urban Canada. In 2006, seniors comprised 14.8% of the rural population compared to 12.6% of the urban population.
Relatively more seniors in rural Saskatchewan (17%); Nova Scotia (16.8%); British Columbia (16.8%) and relatively less seniors in rural Alberta (11.8%) and the Territories (4.9%).