Alberta's 2008 Population: 3.65 Million and Growing

Statistics Canada estimated Alberta's population at 3,645,257 as of July 1, 2008—making it Canada's fourth most populous province behind Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.

Growth Context

Alberta was then experiencing Canada's fastest provincial growth rate (~2.5% annually), driven by:

• Interprovincial migration – Canadians moving for oil/gas jobs
• International immigration – Skilled workers, refugees, family class
• Natural increase – Younger demographic profile than national average

Economic Engine

The oil sands boom (Fort McMurray, Cold Lake, Peace River) created unprecedented labor demand, drawing workers nationwide. Calgary and Edmonton metros each approached 1.1 million, anchoring the province's urban corridor.

Post-2008 Trajectory

The 2008 financial crisis and 2014 oil price collapse moderated growth, but Alberta remains Canada's fourth-largest province (~4.7M in 2023), with growth still exceeding national averages.