Saskatchewan's population could grow by as much as 268,000 over the next quarter century, approaching 1.3 million by 2036, Statistics Canada projects.

The number, considered a high-growth scenario, is from the latest set of projections from the federal statistics agency, released on Wednesday.

The province's 2009 population was 1,030,100, the report said.

Under a low-growth scenario, the population would increase 90,000 to 1.12 million by 2036, while a medium-growth projection would see the population going up 177,000 to 1.21 million, a 17 per cent increase.

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said the projections were great news, considering that five years ago, people were leaving the province.

"In a sense, we're just getting started," Norris said. "What we see today ... is a very clear message. While there's more work to do, there's a very bright future for the future of this province and the people of this province."

However, the province's projected growth rate pales in comparison to its western neighbours.

Whereas the medium projection for Saskatchewan calls for 17 per cent growth, the corresponding rates are 43 per cent in B.C., 35 per cent in Alberta and 29 per cent in Manitoba.