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As Alberta’s population continues to grow at a record pace, the provincial government is encouraging residents to complete the 2026 Census of Population to help ensure the province receives its fair share of federal funding.
The census, which runs from May 4 to May 12, is conducted every five years by Statistics Canada and plays a major role in determining how federal transfer funding is distributed across the country.
According to the province, Alberta’s population surpassed five million people in mid-2025, marking one of the fastest periods of growth in the province’s history. Officials say that growth has increased pressure on key services including health care, education, social programs, housing and infrastructure.
Because many federal funding formulas are based on population, Alberta’s government says an accurate census count is essential to ensuring the province receives funding that reflects its rapidly growing population.
“Census participation is about more than numbers — it’s about fairness, representation and ensuring Alberta’s growth is fully recognized and supported,” said Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, in a statement.
Since the last census in 2021, Alberta’s population has increased by nearly 750,000 people. In 2023 alone, the province added more than 200,000 residents — the largest single-year increase since 1972.
The province noted that census information is used by governments, Indigenous communities, businesses and industry organizations to plan for future growth and investment. Data collected through the census also helps guide decisions on schools, hospitals, seniors housing, highways and emergency response planning for events such as wildfires, droughts and floods.
Alberta is projected to receive approximately $9.2 billion in combined Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer funding during the 2026–27 fiscal year, which works out to roughly $1,792 per Albertan.
Households should already have received census letters in the mail containing secure access codes. Residents can complete the census online or by mail, and Statistics Canada says all responses will remain strictly confidential.
Under federal law, all households in Canada are required to complete the Census of Population questionnaire.
For more information, residents can visit the official census website at www.census.gc.ca.
Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.
