Alberta's Remarkable Growth Trajectory
Alberta's population has seen an extraordinary surge, nearly reaching the 5 million mark in the first quarter of 2025. According to data released by Statistics Canada on June 18, the province added 20,562 new residents during this period, bringing the total population to 4,980,659. This growth stands in stark contrast to declines observed in other major provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, which saw population drops during the same timeframe.
The driving forces behind Alberta's increase are largely attributed to interprovincial migration and permanent immigration. For the 11th consecutive quarter, Alberta has led the country in net interprovincial migration, with a gain of 7,176 individuals moving from other provinces. This trend highlights the province's growing appeal as a destination for Canadians seeking new opportunities.
Migration Patterns and National Context
Statistics Canada reports that Canada's overall population grew by a modest 20,107 in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a total of 41,548,787. This represents the smallest quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2020, a period marked by stringent pandemic travel restrictions. In comparison, Alberta's robust growth of over 20,000 individuals in the same period underscores its unique position as a population hotspot within the country.
Interprovincial migration has played a significant role, with Alberta attracting a substantial number of residents from Ontario, including approximately 7,500 individuals in the first quarter alone. This movement reflects broader shifts in population dynamics across Canada, where economic opportunities and lifestyle factors continue to draw people westward.
Future Implications for Alberta
As Alberta approaches the 5 million milestone, questions arise about infrastructure, housing, and public services to accommodate this rapid growth. The province has seen consistent population increases over the past three years, rising from 4,842,523 in 2024 to its current figure. While growth has slightly slowed compared to record-setting numbers in previous years, Alberta remains a leader in population expansion.
The influx of new residents, driven by both international and interprovincial migration, signals a need for strategic planning to sustain this momentum. With projections suggesting Alberta could hit 5 million as early as later in 2025 under high-growth scenarios, policymakers face the challenge of balancing growth with quality of life for all Albertans.