The provincial government is crowing over the latest Statistics Canada data showing a trend of sustained population growth in Newfoundland and Labrador for the fifth consecutive quarter.

The latest quarterly population estimates released this week show that the province’s population increased by 422 people from January 1 to April 1 of this year.

The population growth trend is largely fueled by immigration according to the provincial government which has set a goal of welcoming 5,100 newcomers per year by 2026.

Migration from other parts of Canada, particularly Ontario and Alberta is also contributing to population growth.