The census report given out last week detailing some of the changes in population for Canada's cities has been turning a lot of heads, especially here in the southeast.

Estevan had particularly bad results from the census, dropping 5.5% from 2016 to 2021.

That puts it at Canada's seventh-fastest falling city and the city with the most population decline in Saskatchewan.

Estevan MLA and Minister of Social Services Lori Carr says that the drops can be linked to the resource economy taking a hit in those earlier years.

"I've grown up in Estevan, and Estevan has always had ebbs and flows in their population growth depending on what's happening in the economy around the Estevan area, but I'm actually very optimistic about Estevan."

That dependence on resources can be good when experiencing a boom, but Carr says the city will need to focus on other sectors to keep the city consistent.

"We've always been very dependent on the resources here in our area, but I think one thing that the area has realized lately is that we do need to diversify. That's one of the reasons that our government invested money to help with economic development, and I see that being put to good use."

That economic development has been helped along by committees who are working closely with businesses to find out what Estevan might need.

"Our trade export and development industry has been working very closely with these committees that have been set up, and sending ideas our way. While economic development does take time, and a lot of resources, as well as a lot of hard work," said Carr, "I'm very confident that it's going to pay off in the end and we are going to see new businesses start up here within our community."

While those are being put in place, Carr says she'd like to see more people coming to the community for the same reasons she's stayed there.

"While I personally think Estevan is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I did that with my family, I've always felt safe here, and the people are second to none. So by all means, come on to Estevan."