Alberta Population Growth Leads Canada Despite Slowing Pace

Alberta recorded the highest population growth of any Canadian jurisdiction over the past year, as first reported by CBC News based on recent Statistics Canada estimates. As of July 1, the province's population reached more than 5.1 million people, an increase of approximately 76,500 residents, or roughly 1.5 per cent.

While Alberta led the country in total numbers added, CBC News notes that only the Yukon and Nunavut experienced higher growth rates. The data also indicates a cooling trend; the growth rate between 2025 and 2026 represents the slowest pace since 2021.

**Migration and Immigration Trends**

The population surge was driven by a mix of interprovincial and international movement. CBC News reports that tens of thousands of people migrated to Alberta from Ontario and British Columbia, alongside an increase in arrivals from other Prairie provinces, despite a slight dip in the overall number of Canadians moving from other provinces.

International immigration remains a significant driver, though numbers are declining in line with federal policy. Statistics Canada data shows more than 50,000 immigrants arrived in Alberta in the last year—roughly 8,000 fewer than the previous year. This decline follows the federal government's "levels plan," which capped permanent resident admissions at 380,000 annually until 2028 and limited non-permanent residents to 385,000 this year.

Furthermore, Alberta saw a net loss of nearly 8,000 non-permanent residents. CBC News reports this was driven almost entirely by the departure of international students.

**Economic and Infrastructure Implications**

Provincial officials and economic leaders are weighing the benefits of growth against the strain on public resources. Juliana Rodriguez, a spokesperson for Finance Minister Jason Nixon, told CBC News that while growth supports the economy, "unsustainable levels" can pressure the labour market, housing supply, and public services.

Jenny Godley, a professor at the University of Calgary, noted that federal cutbacks have helped reduce pressure on the housing market, though she cautioned that the departure of international students reduces the diversity of the student body.

**Political Uncertainty**

Looking forward, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce's vice president of economy and engagement, Heather Thomson, expressed concern regarding an upcoming provincial referendum scheduled for Oct. 19. The referendum includes 10 questions, five of which focus on immigration policy, including whether the provincial government should have increased control over immigration and whether non-permanent residents should pay for social services such as education and health care. Thomson told CBC News that such uncertainty could delay investment or deter talent and companies from relocating to the province.