Immigration has boosted Alberta’s population growth. New data from the government of Alberta’s Office of Statistics and Information reveals that the province has both international and interprovincial immigration. 

From April 2023 to April 2024, the province’s population grew by 204,677, or 4.41%—marking the highest year-over-year growth rate in Canada as a whole, 3.20%.

It shows a significant increase from the 3.67% growth rate Alberta experienced between 2022 and 23 and is also the highest year-over-year growth the province has experienced as of April 1 since 1981. 

Much of Alberta’s population growth comes from international migration. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, international migration added over 32,893 net new residents to Alberta, including both permanent and temporary residents. 

In addition, the province is also seeing substantial net gains from interprovincial migration, i.e., people are moving from other Canadian provinces, like British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. 

According to Statistics Canada, from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Alberta saw the highest net gains from people moving between provinces, surpassing British Columbia. Moreover, all major cities in Alberta grew significantly—Calgary gained 26,662 residents, Edmonton added 16,082 residents, Lethbridge increased by 1,651 residents, and Red Deer grew by 1,277 people. 

On the contrary, every major metropolitan area in Ontario witnessed a net loss from interprovincial migration during the 12 months leading up to July 1, 2023. 

Why Are So Many Newcomers Choosing Alberta Over Other Canadian Provinces? 

Immigration has boosted Alberta’s population growth. As Statistics Canada points out, this influx is ‘in line with the analysis from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s 2024 Housing Market Outlook’, which indicates that more affordable home prices and a stronger economic outlook make the prairie provinces attractive to job seekers and home buyers – specifically as compared to British Columbia and Ontario. 

Relatively Affordable Housing 

While the province has witnessed an increase in property prices in recent years, it is still seen as a more affordable option, especially compared to British Columbia and Ontario cities. 

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, in the second quarter of 2024, the median price for a single detached home in Calgary was $710,000, while townhouses cost $454,000, and apartments $330,000. In Edmonton, the median price for a detached home was $485,000, townhouses were $294,500, and apartments were $188,000. 

Moreover, Alberta does not have a land transfer tax, making it a more affordable option for out-of-province homebuyers. 

In comparison to Toronto, the median sale price for a detached home was $1,300,000 in the second quarter of 2024. Semi-detached units were going for $1,041,000, while condominium apartments were going for $640,000. 

Economic Growth and Changing Job Landscape 

Immigration has boosted Alberta’s population growth. The province’s GDP will rise 3.3% in 2024, up 0.4 percentage points from Budget 2024. 

According to the Business Council of Alberta’s report ‘Who’s hiring in Alberta?’, which uses publicly available job postings from 2018 – 23, Alberta’s labor market is no longer closely attached to the price of oil and gas, as it was in previous years. 

While demand for energy workers has ‘stabilized,’ there has been an increase in demand for trades and healthcare professions which has ‘far outpaced population growth.’ 

The report also notes growth in job postings requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship training. Tech skills like business intelligence or data analysis might also be significant to employers in the province. Meanwhile, postings for categories of engineering occupations feel more than 60%. 

Earlier this year, the province launched a separate Provincial Nominee Program stream for tourism and hospitality, indicating increased demand in that sector. 

The province has also been focusing on healthcare professionals with targeted Express Entry draws. If applicants have a job offer in an eligible healthcare profession in the province, they might be eligible for permanent residency in Alberta through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program Dedicated Healthcare Pathway. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].