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The Basics of Alberta

Today Alberta is arguably Canada's most prosperous province, and is recognized world-wide for its high standard of living. Often known as Canada's "energy province," Alberta is home to over 3.3 million people. The bulk of this population resides in Alberta's two largest cities; Edmonton (the provincial capital) and Calgary. Alberta is a world leader in the oil and gas industry but is also home to a vibrant and fast-growing industrial and service economy. Because of the opportunities provided by this economic growth, Alberta has become one of the top destinations for immigration to Canada.

Economy and employment

Alberta's economy is driven by its booming energy industry, which accounts for over 275,000 jobs in the province. Alberta's high rate of economic growth is not limited however to the energy industry, as the province boasts a diversified economy. Alberta's manufacturing sector has doubled in size in the last decade, and innovation is spurring new industries that make Alberta a strong competitor in global markets. Alberta has traditionally been home to large farming and ranching industries, which remain an important part of the province's culture and economy.

Alberta enjoys the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 3.9%, well below the national average of 6.8%. International surveys consistently rank Calgary and Edmonton among the top cities in the world to work. On top of the availability of jobs, people enjoy working in Alberta thanks to its high standard of living.

Standard of Living

Alberta's average wage and salary rates are highly competitive with the rest of Canada. Albertan families have the highest average combined income in Canada at approximately 61 000$/yr.

Albertans also have the lowest personal taxes in Canada, thanks to the wealth of natural resources. Alberta enjoys a very low crime rate that makes its cities and towns pleasant places to live and safe to raise a family. In addition, the province's natural beauty, including vast forests and the Rocky Mountains contribute to a desirable living environment.

Residential Housing

Alberta has one of the more affordable housing markets for major cities in Canada. The average house price in Alberta is approximately 40 to 50 per cent less than in Toronto and Vancouver

Education

Alberta has a renowned education system, which produces world-leading research. In Canada, all citizens and permanent residents under the age of 20 are entitled to free education through the end of high school in the public school system. Some people send their children to private schools; however the most use the high quality public schools.

Alberta's publicly funded postsecondary education system has a total of 24 institutions, including four universities.

Health Care

Under Canadian Law, all provinces and territories must provide universal, publicly funded health care to all citizens and legal residents of Canada. In other words, most basic health services in Canada are offered at no direct cost to the patient. Alberta, like the rest of Canada, has universal, publicly funded health care.

History

Before the arrival of European settlers in the 1700's the indigenous First Nations of Alberta inhabited the area for over 8,000 years. Many of these indigenous peoples were displaced by European settlement of the area, however indigenous communities remain and are an important part of Albertan history.

Alberta joined Canadian confederation as a separate province in 1905. In its early history Alberta was mostly a province of farmers, along with some mining. The province was hit hard by the depression of the 1920's but recovered with some strong government intervention. The oil and gas boom which continues to benefit the province today began in 1947. Thanks to the prosperity from this natural wealth, Alberta was able to invest in its economy and education to create the strong and diverse modern economy found in the province today.

Culture

Throughout the province but especially in the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton, one can find the culture, cuisine, music and arts of communities from all over the world.

Thanks to the fusion of all of these communities' cultures, Alberta's cities are cosmopolitan in their own right. In 1988, Calgary was on display to the whole world when they hosted the Olympic Winter Games. Edmonton is known for its excellent festivals.

Alberta's culture retains some influence from its history of frontier settlement and traditional farming. The greatest example is the Calgary Stampede, the annual summer festival that features such events as bull-roping and rodeos. The Stampede itself and the celebrations that surround it draw over 1.2 million visitors each year.

Demographics

Alberta is home to over 3.3 million people, about one tenth of the total population of Canada. About two thirds of this population is centered in the province's two biggest cities, Calgary and Edmonton metropolitan. Other significant population centers include Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Grand Prairie. Over 80% of the province's population lives in urban areas.

A large proportion of the province's residents identify heritage from Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, Ukraine, and France. Alberta also has large communities of South Asian and Chinese heritage.

The majority of Albertans identify as Christian, however, the province is largely secular. Alberta is also home to many people of the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Buddhist faiths. Edmonton is home to the oldest Mosque in North America.

Immigration

Today, Alberta is one of the most popular destinations for Canadian immigrants. According to an agreement with the Government of Canada signed in May 2007, the province will play an increased role in selecting immigrants who will settle in the province. The Alberta Ministry of Employment Immigration and Industry is expected to have greater involvement in attracting and nominating immigrants who ossess skills that are needed in Alberta.

Government

Canada's government works on a federal system, with control over certain affairs belonging to the national government in Ottawa, and others under the control of the provincial governments. The province of Alberta has its own democratically-elected parliament (known as the Alberta Legislative Assembly). As with any Canadian province, Alberta has wide control over its health, and education services.

The major cities

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. The city is home to a diverse multi-cultural array of residents.

The economy of the city is centered on the petroleum industry, financial institutions and high-technology industries. Some of the major companies headquartered in the city include Canadian Pacific Railway, Imperial Oil, EnCana and Petro-Canada.

A 2007 survey by Forbes Magazine ranked Calgary as the cleanest city in the world, while surveys by Mercer Consulting, and by The Economist have ranked the city very highly in quality of life.

Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital of the Province of Alberta, and the sixth largest city in Canada. While the city is home to over 1 million people, the city has a very low population density and therefore a large amount of green space. Edmonton's river valley is over 20 times the size of New York's central park.

Today the city is a strong industrial hub, with companies such as IBM, TELUS, Dell and General Electric locating major offices there thanks to its reputation as one of Canada's top centers for research.