The population of the Northwest Territories continues to decline, according to figures released on Wednesday.
Overall, Statistics Canada says the territory lost 200 people between the last quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015.
The latest population estimate now stands at 43,595, which is a decline of 338 people compared with this time last year.
That’s the lowest the NWT’s population has been since early 2012, and the largest year-on-year percentage decline reported by any province or territory.
Numbers of non-permanent residents, including temporary foreign workers, in the NWT dropped from 448 to 406 year-on-year – in contrast to an increase of more than 24,000 across Canada as a whole.
The territorial government has recently unveiled plans to bolster programs that bring foreign workers into the territory.
Read: NWT expects 800+ new immigrants from revamped nominee program
Canada’s overall population rose to 35,702,707 in the latest estimates – an increase of almost 370,000 on this time last year.
When residents leave the Northwest Territories for other parts of Canada, Statistics Canada also keeps track of their destination.
In the past year, more than 1,000 people have moved south to Alberta.
British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario are also popular destinations.
