New census data shows Steinbach is expanding its ethnic diversity.

Statistics Canada reports, according to the 2016 census, just over 11,000 people put their ethnic origin as European. The next largest group is from Asia at almost 1,600 followed by people of aboriginal descent at 1,200. Almost 900 Steinbach residents give their ethnic origin as being from Latin, Central and South America, 175 from the African continent and 75 from the Caribbean.

Eastman Immigrant Services noted earlier this year that Steinbach has residents from more than 100 different countries.

The information on ethnic origin was released this week by Statistics Canada from the long form census. The long form census was restored in 2016 after being discontinued by the previous federal government some years ago. There is, therefore, no comparative data with from the 2011 census.