摘要：Since the early 1900s, interprovincial migration has been a significant factor in determining the distribution of the Canadian population. Since fertility and mortality have become relatively homogeneous, internal and international migration are clearly dominant in shaping population concentration in Canada (Termote 1987). Besides affecting the spatial distribution of the population, the distinctive socioeconomic characteristics of migrants bring social and economic change in given regions and cornmunities (Stone 1969: 101; 1979: 13). In view of these demographic, economic and social implications, the role of migration in influencing regional disparities has become a vital national issue (Beaujot 1991; Carel et al. 1988). The impact of interregional migration on a given region is dependent on the net effect of the in-and out-migration strearns. The difference of volume and socio-demographic composition of the two flows results in the processes of population redistribution and exchange. The net effect of migration flows can be further elaborated through the consideration of various types of migrants in accordance with their previous migration experience: primary migrants are the first time migrants from their initial place of residence to a new place, return migrants are moving back to their previous place of residence, while onward migrants are moving again, but neither to nor from their initial place of residence. These different types have been found to display particular decision making processes, invoke varied criteria for choosing their destinations, and consist of distinctive characteristics (DaVanzo 19761983; Gmelch 1983; Grant and Vanderkamp 1984, 1986; Hou and Beaujot 1994; Long 1988; RicWing 1985).
