Alberta is experiencing significant population growth, outpacing most other Canadian provinces. Statistics Canada data reveals that as of July 1, the province’s population reached over 5.1 million, marking an increase of nearly 76,500 individuals, representing a growth rate of about 1.5% compared to the previous year.
While Alberta saw the addition of the most people compared to other jurisdictions during this period, only Nunavut and the Yukon, which have smaller populations, experienced a higher growth rate. According to Jenny Godley, a professor at the University of Calgary, Alberta’s attractiveness is attributed to economic opportunities and the province’s openness for individuals to work, live, and raise families.
Although Alberta has seen continuous population growth, recent data suggests that the growth rate is stabilizing. The growth rate estimated for 2025 to 2026 was the slowest since 2021, a period marked by the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province’s natural population increase, reflecting the balance between births and deaths, remained steady. While fewer Canadians migrated from other provinces, Alberta saw an influx of residents from British Columbia, Ontario, and other Prairie provinces. The federal government’s revised immigration policies are also contributing to the population trends.
Recent figures show that Alberta welcomed over 50,000 immigrants in the past year, although this number is slightly lower than the previous year. Simultaneously, the province experienced a net loss of nearly 8,000 non-permanent residents, primarily driven by the departure of international students.
Looking ahead, stakeholders express concerns about the impact of the upcoming provincial referendum on Alberta’s economy. Scheduled for October 19, the referendum will address various issues, including some related to immigration policy. Heather Thomson from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce stresses the importance of aligning immigration with the province’s economic needs to ensure a sustainable workforce.
As the political landscape evolves, uncertainties around immigration policies and potential separatist movements could influence investment decisions and impact Alberta’s economic prospects. The federal government is closely monitoring the situation, considering the potential ramifications of increased autonomy for Alberta.
