Combined population of Alberta and British Columbia now larger than Quebec’s

Booming Economy, Immigration lead sources of growth.

A report released September 27th by statistics Canada estimates that B.C. and Alberta have reached a combined population of 7,686,215 million people, surpassing Quebec’s 7,651,531.

The population growth in Alberta between July 1st 2005 and July 1st 2006 was of 100,000 individuals. Measured as a ratio to current population, this was over three times the national growth rate. The report indicated that “This was due to its booming economy and its highest-ever level of migration from other parts of Canada”. B.C.’s growth rate also surpassed the national rate.

Immigration is the main reason for the country’s population growth, accounting for 2/3 of the national increase. In the 12 month period, 254,400 immigrants entered Canada, a growth of nearly 10,000 from the previous year and the highest number since 2001/2002.

While over half of these immigrants chose Ontario as their destination, the west once again demonstrated its attractiveness as a destination with British Columbia surpassing Quebec for the first time in five years with 43,900 immigrants.

With immigration on the rise and Western Canada booming, it is an opportune time to immigrate to Canada and take advantage of these current trends.

CBC Online news, September 27, 2006: www.cbc.ca