Alberta's population could surpass British Columbia's within 25 years

Statistics Canada projects Alberta could reach about 7.2 million by 2050 and surpass British Columbia to become the third-largest province; it also projects Canada's population could top 57 million by 2075.

Statistics Canada projects Alberta's population could overtake British Columbia's within the next 25 years under a medium growth scenario. The agency estimates Alberta could reach about 7.2 million people by 2050. It also projects the Canadian population could top 57 million by 2075. StatCan described these numbers as projection scenarios based on recent demographic trends rather than firm predictions. Key points: - Statistics Canada projects Alberta may reach about 7.2 million people by 2050 under a medium growth scenario. - That projection would place Alberta ahead of British Columbia as the third-largest province in Canada. - The agency projects Canada's total population could exceed 57 million by 2075. - Projections incorporate recent trends such as historically low fertility rates and changes to immigration and temporary resident policies. - Statistics Canada emphasized these are scenarios based on current trends, not predictions. Summary: The projections point to a shift in demographic weight toward higher-growth provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The report did not set out specific policy responses; implications remain undetermined.