Alberta’s population grew faster than any other province over the past year, with the province surpassing 5.1 million residents as people continued to move to Alberta from other parts of Canada and from abroad. Statistics Canada estimates that Alberta had 5,101,050 residents as of July 1, 2026. That represents an increase of more than 76,000 people, or about 1.5 per cent, compared with the previous year. The growth rate was three times higher than Canada’s overall population growth of about 0.5 per cent. Alberta was followed by New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, both of which recorded population growth of about one per cent. The latest figures also show that Alberta added more people than Ontario over the 12-month period. Alberta gained about 76,400 residents, while Ontario added roughly 45,000. This marks the first time since the early 1980s that Alberta has recorded a larger population increase than Ontario over a full year. Alberta’s population growth has been strongly supported by people moving to the province from elsewhere in Canada. The province has recorded a net inflow of interprovincial migrants for 20 consecutive quarters, maintaining its position as the leading destination for people relocating between provinces. Many of those moving to Alberta have come from larger provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario. Housing costs, employment opportunities, economic conditions and Alberta’s growing cities are among the factors frequently associated with the province’s continued appeal to newcomers. Alberta’s natural population growth is also contributing to the increase. The province has a relatively young population and continues to record more births than deaths, giving it a larger natural increase than many other parts of Canada. However, Alberta’s population growth has also slowed compared with the rapid increases recorded in previous years. The province’s annual growth rate of 1.5 per cent was its slowest since 2021, although it remained well above the national average. The slowdown is part of a broader national trend. Canada’s population reached about 41.8 million people by July 2026, but the country recorded its slowest annual population growth in decades. Changes to immigration policies and a decline in the number of temporary residents have contributed significantly to the national slowdown. Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia all recorded much slower population growth than Alberta. Ontario grew by about 0.3 per cent, Quebec by 0.2 per cent and British Columbia by just 0.1 per cent. The continuing increase in Alberta’s population is creating both opportunities and challenges for the province. A larger population can provide businesses with a bigger workforce and consumer market, while also increasing demand for housing, schools, health-care services, transportation and other infrastructure.Calgary and Edmonton remain major destinations for newcomers, with population growth also being felt in communities outside the province’s two largest metropolitan areas. Rapid growth is putting additional pressure on municipalities to expand roads, transit, utilities and public services. The province’s housing market is another area being closely watched. Continued population growth can increase demand for homes and rental properties, particularly in major urban centres. At the same time, Alberta has been experiencing significant residential construction as governments and developers attempt to keep pace with demand. Despite the slower pace compared with previous years, the latest figures reinforce Alberta’s position as one of Canada’s fastest-growing provinces. With more than 5.1 million residents and continued gains from interprovincial migration, Alberta is playing an increasingly significant role in Canada’s changing population landscape.