Alberta gained just over 36,000 residents from other provinces and territories last year. This was the third year in a row more people moved to Alberta from other parts of the country than vice versa.

Although down by 15% from 2023, last year’s gain from interprovincial migration is an indication of the relative strength of the Alberta economy with employment growing at a faster pace in Alberta than in the country as a whole.

The interprovincial gain is also a source of economic growth as the additional residents increase demand for goods and services and increase the size and depth of the labour pool.

In terms of where Alberta is gaining residents from, Ontario was the main source at 44% (15,947) of the total net gain last year followed by B.C. at 28% (10,043).

While there are multiple reasons Canadians move around the country, the relative affordability of housing in Alberta compared to Ontario and B.C. was likely a key factor.

Although it has the second largest population, Quebec was the source of just 2% (865) of the net flow into Alberta last year.

At 69% of total growth, international migration was the largest driver of population growth in Alberta last year while interprovincial migration accounted for 21% and natural increase (births less deaths) for 9%.

According to our latest forecast, we expect interprovincial inflows to moderate this year and next, but continue to add significantly to Alberta’s population as the provincial economy holds up relatively well in the current trade environment.

Answer to the previous trivia question: A total of 24 different people have served as Canada’s Prime Minister.

Today’s trivia question: How many general elections at the federal level have been held in Canada (including the one coming up on April 28)?