Yellowknife (Sep 05/03) - Baby-making in the North is decreasing, joining the decline in Canada's birth rate since the baby boom following the Second World War.

There were 647 recorded births in the Northwest Territories last year, compared to 667 from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, according to Statistics Canada.

That's a three per cent decrease for the NWT. The slow decrease over the years is in line with the current Canadian trend towards smaller families.

Dr. Andre Corriveau, chief medical officer with the Department of Health and Social Services, attributes the decrease to development across the territory.

"It's a trend that's been going on for some time," says Corriveau, citing increased education, lower infant mortality rates, and female interest in careers, as factors.

Corriveau estimates that NWT is 10 to 15 years behind the national trend towards fewer births.

"(The) NWT is just catching up to the rest of the country right now," he says.

NWT still has the second highest birthrate per capita, next to Nunavut.

"As women become more educated...there is a reduced family size," says Marsha Argue, director of projects and research for the Status of Women Council.

"The NWT has made great strides in post-secondary education, particularly with women," says Argue.

"That goes hand-in-hand with smaller family sizes."