Quebec population growth slows due to fewer immigrants

Quebec’s population growth has dropped significantly over the past few years, according to Quebec’s statistics bureau.

In 2013, the province's population increased by about 63,000, which is 10,000 fewer people than the year before.

This is the fourth consecutive year of slowed growth.

The Institut de la statistique Québec said that's likely because of fewer people immigrating to Quebec.

Between 2012-2013, the number of births and deaths remained stable.

But that year, Quebec welcomed 3,000 fewer immigrants to the province.

In 2012, around 55,000 people moved to Quebec. But in 2013, the number was 52,000.

The bulk of Quebec’s immigrants are coming from China, France and Algeria.

Suburbs more popular than the city

The latest provincial statistics reveal Laval, the Laurentians and the Lanaudière region were the fastest-growing areas in Quebec in 2013.

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Laval is growing the fastest, with a growth rate of 13 per cent. The Laurentians and Lanaudière region trail Laval slightly.

Quebec's statistics bureau said the increase in those regions is likely because people are moving there from other parts of Quebec.

Montreal’s population has also increased, at a rate of 11.4 per cent.

However, the report revealed more people left Montreal for the suburbs in 2012-2013, than the other way around.

Keeping families in the City of Montreal was a hot topic in the last municipal election.