Incredible nature, excellent economic prospects and one of the most comfortable living standards among other provinces are just a few of the features that make Alberta the most attractive province in Canada for immigration from abroad, as well as the most desirable destination for Canadians themselves. The area of Alberta (661,848 km²) is comparable to Ukraine (603,700 km²), but not in terms of population, which is 10 times smaller in this province. So what is it about Alberta that makes it different from other Canadian provinces that attracts people from all over the world? Here are the details:
Alberta is a magnet for immigrants from all over the world and Canadian residents
The population of Alberta is 4,756,408 as of 1 October 2023 and continues to grow at a rapid pace. As reported by the provincial government, population growth numbers are now breaking records and surpassing decades of growth. More than 194,000 new residents have already moved to Alberta in the past year: an increase of 4.3%. The previous most favourable years for immigration to the province (2006 and 2013) recorded approximately 30-35 thousand new residents.
The Canadian government’s policy of attracting new residents to the country has greatly simplified the process of obtaining a visa to Canada, and citizens of many countries are taking advantage of this opportunity. Among the new residents of the province are CUAET visa holders, who now have the best conditions for obtaining PR in Canada in the last few decades. For the fifth consecutive quarter, Alberta recorded the highest net population growth in Canada, adding 17,094 new residents. And now Alberta is the only province to record significant in-migration from other provinces, and what is more surprising: 6,262 people moved from Ontario, 5,269 from British Columbia, 1,579 from Saskatchewan and 1,316 from Manitoba. Alberta has been in the top for more than a year (for the 5th consecutive quarter). What makes Alberta so attractive?
City life in Alberta: Edmonton and Calgary
Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta’s two largest cities, are home to about 60 per cent of the province’s total population. To the south is Calgary, Alberta’s largest city with a population of 1.3 million. In recent years, Calgary has been named one of the most liveable cities in North America. According to the Global Liveability Ranking (which is produced by The Economist’s analytical division), Calgary was ranked 1st among North American cities in 2022, and in 2023 it lost out to Vancouver, and was ranked 2nd. Stability, healthcare, education, and infrastructure are among the best in North America and the world, allowing Calgary to hold top spots.
300 kilometres north of Calgary is Edmonton, the capital and second largest city of Alberta with a population of over one million. It is known as the “Gateway to the North” of Canada. It is hard to imagine that some 120 years ago the total number of residents in this city was only 2,500. Today, there are more than 320,000 immigrants in Edmonton alone, and this is already a third of the population. Among the million Edmontonians, one in 10 is of Ukrainian descent. It is this city that opens the way to the “goldmine” of the whole of Canada, where it is easy for everyone to make a lot of money.
Alberta’s “golden sands”
Alberta oil sands are the sands in the north of the province, that are rich in oil and its derivatives. Alberta has the largest oil deposits in Canada, as well as significant gas and coal reserves. The largest energy and oil production is concentrated in this province of Canada: 70% of Canada’s crude oil and 80% of natural gas. It is the revenues from this industry that put Alberta at the top of the rankings among other Canadian provinces in terms of both salaries and living standards.
Over the past 20 years, more than 175,000 people have worked in the industry with a total revenue of C$187 billion. Welders, pipefitters, chemists, refinery technicians, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators are the most in-demand occupations in Alberta. Despite the potentially severe environmental impact of this industry, the provincial government has succeeded in introducing the most modern standards of environmental compliance, that minimise the negative impact on Alberta’s nature. Billions of investment in the Alberta oil sands over the next decades will create thousands of jobs with high salaries, that are so attractive to every Canadian.
Alberta’s nature
The nature of Alberta and its national parks will not leave anyone indifferent. Although it is considered part of the Canadian prairies (forest-steppe), the province has a wide variety of landscapes and views: mountains, deserts, glaciers, impenetrable forests. Everyone can find the most interesting place for themselves. The Rocky Mountains fascinate the most sceptical and demanding tourists. Banff National Park covers the most picturesque part of these mountains. This park is the oldest nature reserve in Canada, having been established in 1885.
For exotic lovers, there is the Dinosaur Provincial Park among the natural parks. It was here that parts of the skeletons of hundreds of different dinosaurs were found, which are now on display in Canada and cities across North America. Jasper National Park, the world’s second largest “dark sky” reserve (where there is relatively less natural light in the area compared to other places), guarantees the best photos for Instagram. Many “iconic” photos of Canadian nature and mountains that can be found on Google were taken right here.
The economic outlook for living in Alberta
Alberta’s economy is confidently demonstrating stability and further growth. Statistics Canada reports $336 billion as Alberta’s GDP for 2022, and is expected to reach $350 billion for 2023. Alberta is ranked 3rd after Ontario and Quebec (surpassing even British Columbia) in this indicator. Despite the arrival of more and more residents to the province, the unemployment rate in Alberta remains average for Canada. Instead, employment growth in the province over the past 5 years has been 2.5%, compared to the national average of 1.3%. Moreover, 36,000 Ukrainians on CUAET visas have already moved to the province, while the Alberta government expects to accept another 30,000 residents under this programme.
Alberta’s largest sectors in terms of GDP production are oil and gas extraction and mining (96 billion), manufacturing and industry (24.5 billion), real estate and construction (64 billion), transport and logistics (16 billion), and sales (30 billion). Everyone will be able to find a job in Canada after coming to this province. All will depend on their previous experience and the level of English, which can be improved at MV Group Language Academy. Despite a slight decline in 2022, economic activity is reviving, which has already resulted in an increase in the number of job vacancies. The Alberta government predicts that household income will grow by 7.0% this year. The province’s investment attractiveness remains very high within Canada, which continues to drive strong growth in all sectors of the economy, resulting in increased jobs, incomes and living standards.
So, is it worth moving to Alberta? Definitely yes! Alberta is one of the best places in Canada to live. A high level of industrial development with strict adherence to environmental standards guarantee a harmonious life and employment for everyone. Immigration in this province, like in any other, has its own peculiarities. MV Group provides full support in obtaining PR in Canada through federal and provincial programmes of all Canadian provinces, and of course, will help every Ukrainian to obtain the desired status in Alberta.
