Live the Canadien experience in Alberta: Discover the province’s opportunities and advantages
Experience the unique lifestyle of Alberta in Canada
After introducing you to Ontario and British Columbia, today let’s turn our attention to the province of Alberta.
To prepare your move to Canada, it’s important to determine which province you want to immigrate to. This choice will influence the immigration procedures you’ll need to follow to successfully carry out your project.
If you’re a French speaker, this can be a significant advantage when immigrating to Alberta, especially through the Express Entry program, which allows you to obtain Canadian permanent residency in just six months. However, this is not the only way to immigrate to this province—several options are available to you.
Some facts about Alberta
Geographical location and population
Located in western Canada between British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the United States, Alberta is one of the three Prairie provinces. With a diverse landscape that includes mountains, glacial lakes, vast boreal forests, and fertile prairies, it is also the fastest-growing province in Canada in recent years.
For outdoor activity lovers, it’s time to strap on your snowshoes or skis and explore the famous Rockies, a true postcard-perfect landscape, or an Instagram dream for the more connected among you.
According to the latest 2016 census, Alberta had 3.3 million inhabitants. Today, no fewer than 4.3 million people live in the region, thanks to its rapid demographic and economic growth. The vast majority are concentrated in its two urban centers: Calgary and Edmonton, the provincial capital.
“I love the easy access to nature, the mountains, and being able to enjoy the sunshine. It’s a peaceful region for a family. The cost of living is quite low and people are welcoming”
Guillaume, French-speaking expatriate and father of two, living in Alberta for 10 years
What about the climate?
Depending on the region you are in within Alberta, the climate conditions will vary. While the South experiences more frost-free days in winter, the flatter Eastern zone is very cold during the winter season (around -30°C) and very hot in summer (around +35°C). The more mountainous Western zone is protected in winter thanks to warm winds from the West. Its climate is quite similar to that of Ontario, for example.
Francophonie in Alberta
Alberta ranks fifth after Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and New Brunswick in terms of its share of French-speaking residents, with 79,838 people (about 2% of the total population).
The Francophone population in Alberta is largely the result of territorial immigration (about 50% born in another Canadian province) or international immigration (about 25% from the rest of the world). Only 25% of Franco-Albertans were born in Alberta.
The majority of this population is located in the Calgary and Edmonton regions.
Calgary region
Population
Calgary is the largest urban center in the province with over 1.2 million inhabitants in 2019. It is also one of the most populated cities in Canada after Toronto and Montreal.
In recent years, Calgary’s urban life has evolved significantly and is now recognized as one of the most diverse regions in the country.
Its population is predominantly English-speaking (about 70%), but its diversity makes Spanish, Cantonese, and Punjabi common mother tongues. As for Francophones, they represent 16,900 people or 1.59% of Calgary’s population.
Education
Alberta has a nationally renowned education system, from kindergarten to university.
As a Francophone, education is often a major factor in your immigration project. If you are considering the Calgary region to raise your children, note that 7 schools, including primary and secondary, offer education in French.
Calgary is also a hub for post-secondary education with four student centers: the University of Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, the Alberta University of the Arts, and Mount Royal University.
Economy
The Alberta government recently announced major financial investments to boost the province’s economy after the global COVID-19 pandemic. This includes reducing business taxes and developing infrastructure in downtown Calgary and Edmonton.
Between 2010 and 2018, Calgary experienced the highest employment growth in Canada. Many professional opportunities are available, along with a lower cost of living compared to other Canadian metropolises.
It is also important to note that Alberta is the only province that has not adopted a provincial sales tax (PST).
Edmonton region
Population
Edmonton is the second-largest urban center in Alberta. Located in the exact center of the province, it is also the provincial capital. Its greater region has about 981,280 inhabitants.
Francophones are a minority in this city (about 16,000 speakers). Nevertheless, it is a region where French language learning is high. Over 60,000 people are enrolled in French immersion programs.
You can also stroll through the Francophone neighborhood located in Bonnie Doom on the banks of the Saskatchewan River.
Education
For younger students, 19 Francophone institutions are available in the greater Edmonton area. A real opportunity for parents who want their children to continue their education in their mother tongue.
For older students, the University of Alberta, ranked among the top 5 Canadian universities according to the Times Higher Education ranking , is located in Edmonton.
Economy
As mentioned earlier, the government is focusing on this city to revitalize the province post-COVID-19. Several major industries have established their headquarters here, particularly in oil, fossil fuels, construction, education, and healthcare.
As mentioned earlier, the government is focusing on this city to revitalize the province post-COVID-19. Several major industries have established their headquarters here, particularly in oil, fossil fuels, construction, education, and healthcare.
The job sectors hiring in Alberta
While we previously mentioned its dynamic oil sector, the gas sector is also one of the province’s economic drivers. In recent years, Alberta has also emerged as one of the fastest-growing service and industrial sectors. The forestry industry also remains important.
The Alberta government aims to attract more financial companies and talent from Toronto, New York, and Montreal to develop the provincial economy in this sector.
It also plans to invest in education, construction, and service sectors. New opportunities are emerging in this constantly growing province.
Don’t miss any job offers, post your resume for free on the Immijob platform.
Which immigration program should you choose?
If your immigration project is focused on Alberta, several programs may be available to you depending on your profile, including your nationality, age, language and education level, and professional experience.
The most popular program for Francophones remains Express Entry.
“Express Entry may be the most overlooked pathway to permanent residency by the French. Yet, this selection system strongly favors Francophones wishing to settle in Canada.”
Me Natacha Mignon, CEO, Immetis
To promote Francophone immigration outside Quebec, the government supports Francophone immigration in the rest of Canada. Express Entry is a real opportunity for French speakers, offering permanent resident status in just six months in a province like Alberta.
For your information, in 2019, 6,422 permanent residence applications were received through this program in Alberta.
To evaluate your immigration options for free, complete our online pre-assessment.
Fun facts
We couldn’t wrap up this overview without sharing a few of Alberta’s quirks. Still hesitating?
Warm hospitality might be one of the most defining traits of Albertans. That becomes even more meaningful when you learn that the first (and only) UFO landing pad in the world is located in Alberta. Sadly, Martian isn’t yet one of the province’s official languages, but who knows, maybe someday!
If little green men aren’t your thing, perhaps the world’s longest beaver dam, stretching an impressive 850 meters, will leave you speechless?
Or maybe you’re in the mood for a weekend getaway? Head to Banff National Park, the most visited in North America, for a breathtaking adventure!
If Alberta is calling your name, we’re happy to offer a free pre-assessment of your immigration options. And whatever your project may be, our team of immigration professionals is always here to support you every step of the way.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.