Statistics Canada reports that Alberta experienced record population growth in the third quarter of 2022. (Photo: Paulbradyphoto | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Alberta had its largest population growth in 40 years in Q3 2022

Dec 24, 2022 | 8:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – New data from Statistics Canada shows the national and provincial populations spiked over the last quarter.

From July 1, 2022, to October 1, 2022, Canada’s population grew by 362,453 (+0.9%). For the first time, the country’s population has surpassed 39 million people with a total of 39,292,355 residents.

Stats Canada says 122,145 immigrants came to Canada over the three-month period and that immigration was the largest driver of population growth.

This was the highest population growth rate since the second quarter of 1957, which, at the time, was driven by the post-war baby boom and an influx of refugees from Hungary.

Provincially, Alberta saw similar gains this past quarter with an increase of 58,203 residents (growth rate 1.3%). There is now an estimated 4,601,314 people living in the province.

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Approximately 57% of Alberta’s growth came from international migration, 33% from interprovincial migration (33,297), and 9.7% came from a natural increase.

A statement was issued from Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews and Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Northern Development Brian Jean on the provincial population statistics.

Toews says “is a great testament to the economic climate here in Alberta.”

“Compared to the rest of Canada, we have a lower cost of living, affordable housing market, higher earnings and lower taxes,” Toews adds.

Jean believes that the population growth is thanks to the “government’s strong, business-friendly, Alberta’s-first policies.”

Population growth trends in Alberta. (Image: Statistics Canada)

Population growth trends in Alberta. (Image: Statistics Canada)

Population growth trends in Alberta. (Image: Statistics Canada)

The full report on Canada’s third-quarter population estimates can be found on the Statistics Canada website.

READ MORE: Census: Lethbridge welcomed 3,645 immigrants between 2016-2021