Birth rates decreased from 1920 to 1937, increased to 1960, and then decreased again until the early 1980s. Death rates have declined steadily. In 1990, the province received 6,623 immigrants, mainly from the Phillipines, Poland, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Current numbers and population projections show that the province and Canada in general are not immediately faced with a problem of increasing population. However, on a global scale the problem is very real, and it is safe to assume that it will increasingly influence Canada as well.
Immigration policy is a federal responsibility, with the provinces in an advisory role.
Regional Population Migration within the province during the last 10 years resulted in decreasing populations in rural and northern Manitoba and increasing populations in urban centres, especially Winnipeg and surrounding areas that are close enough for commuting to work in the city. Greying of Rural Manitoba During the last 20 years, aging, higher average age, and the migration of younger people to other provinces resulted in greater numbers and a higher proportion of seniors. Each region is distinct from the others in its geology, terrain, water, vegetation, wildlife, climate, and human activities. Winnipeg, in the Grassland zone, was recognized as a unique region since the city exerts a significant influence on the state of the environment in Manitoba. Several different classifications are used by various agencies to describe the environment.