Alberta Leads Canada in Population Growth at 1.5%

Alberta's population has surpassed 5.1 million, making it Canada's fastest-growing province in the year ending July 1, 2026, according to Statistics Canada.

The province reached an estimated 5,101,050 residents, representing annual growth of 1.5%. Canada's overall population increased by just 0.5% during the same period.

While Alberta continues attracting residents, changing immigration patterns and declining temporary resident numbers are reshaping population growth across the country.

Alberta Leads Provincial Population Growth

Alberta recorded the highest annual population growth rate among Canadian provinces between July 2025 and July 2026.

Other provinces exceeding the national growth rate included New Brunswick and Saskatchewan at 1.0%, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia at 0.8%, and Manitoba at 0.6%.

Meanwhile, Ontario grew by 0.3%, Quebec by 0.2%, and British Columbia by 0.1%.

Despite leading the country, Alberta's growth slowed compared with the previous year.

Canada's Population Growth Slows Sharply

Canada added approximately 189,425 residents between July 2025 and July 2026, bringing its estimated population to 41,798,407.

Statistics Canada identified this as the country's smallest annual population increase since 1944–1945.

Changing international migration patterns contributed significantly to the slowdown.

Canada welcomed 368,224 permanent immigrants during the reporting period, marking the fourth consecutive annual decline.

The total also fell below 400,000 for the first time since 2021–2022, reflecting reduced federal immigration targets.

Temporary Resident Numbers Continue Falling

Alberta recorded an estimated 279,477 non-permanent residents on July 1, 2026, representing a 0.6% decline from the previous quarter.

Nationally, the temporary resident population fell by 154,614 over the year, reaching approximately 2.78 million.

Much of the decrease involved study permit holders and individuals holding both study and work permits.

However, Alberta welcomed an estimated 13,647 immigrants during the second quarter of 2026, an 8.2% increase compared with the corresponding quarter in 2025.

These figures highlight differences between quarterly immigration movements and longer-term population trends.

Movement Between Provinces Supports Growth

Alberta continues attracting people relocating from other Canadian provinces.

Employment opportunities, housing affordability, living costs and family considerations can influence these decisions.

Unlike international immigration, interprovincial migration involves people already residing in Canada.

This movement remains an important part of Alberta's population growth.

What This Means for Newcomers

Alberta's expanding population may create additional demand for housing, infrastructure, health care, education and local services.

However, population growth does not automatically increase immigration opportunities or guarantee provincial nomination.

Prospective immigrants must assess program eligibility, employment prospects, accommodation costs and settlement needs separately.

For individuals considering Alberta, the latest figures provide useful economic and demographic context.

Although the province continues growing faster than its provincial counterparts, slower national immigration and changing migration patterns suggest future population growth may follow a different course.