Taking hits

According to the latest Statscan figures released today, Newfoundland and Labrador's population declined by 2000 people in the first quarter of 2007.

That's roughly equivalent to the entire population of Gambo, Glovertown, or Holyrood, and more than Stephenville Crossing, Harbour Breton, or Wabush.

That's also the largest numerical drop of any province or territory, and the largest percentage drop of any province or territory, during the same period. (Only NB and Yukon showed population declines during the same period, although a few others came close.)

It's also the largest quarterly decline that the province has seen since 2001.