Interprovincial Migration Steady in Alberta

Inter-provincial in-migration to Alberta continued at a positive rate in the third quarter of 2011, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than what was seen during the first half of the year. In July, August and September, it is estimated by Statistics Canada that 23,974 Canadians from other provinces moved to Alberta. At the same time, 20,838 Albertans packed up and moved to other provinces.

On a net basis, then, Alberta gained 3,136 people from other parts of the country.

During the boom years of 2006-07, Alberta was the clear winner in terms of inter-provincial in-migration. In the third quarter of 2006, it reached a crescendo with nearly 17,000 people (on a net basis) moving into the province. During the recession of 2008-09, inter-provincial migration dropped off significantly. Indeed, more people left Alberta than moved to the province over the second half of 2009. It was a reflection of a darkening job situation in Alberta.

With the up-tick in activity and the jobs market in 2010 and 2011, inter-provincial in-migration has once again turned positive for Alberta. The rate of in-migration this year has been at a good rate – enough to provide workers for the many employers already looking for skilled workers, but not at the break-neck speed that puts excessive strains on then housing and rental accommodation market.

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