Fair federal funding hinges on Alberta census turnout

By Your Southwest Media Group

Alberta's government is urging residents to complete the 2026 Census of Population by May 12 to ensure the province receives its fair share of federal funding amid record population growth.

Alberta surpassed five million people in mid-2025, adding nearly 750,000 residents since the last census in 2021. The growth has strained health care, education, social services and infrastructure across the province.

Federal funding is allocated on a per-person formula, meaning every Albertan counted increases the dollars flowing back through federal transfers. Alberta is projected to receive $9.2 billion in combined Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer funding in 2026-27, or about $1,792 per resident.

"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.

Households should have received their census letters by mail, along with a secure access code to complete the questionnaire online or by paper. Statistics Canada says all submissions are kept strictly confidential. By law, every household must complete the census.

Census data guides government investment in new schools, hospital expansions, seniors housing and highway improvements. Indigenous communities, industry associations, businesses, farm organizations and community groups also use the data to plan investments, assess local needs and prepare for emergencies such as wildfires, droughts and floods.

Key facts:

• Canada's national census takes place every five years. This year's runs from May 4 to 12.

• Results from the 2026 census are expected about 18 months after census day.

• Alberta's population grew by more than 200,000 in 2023 alone, the largest single-year increase since 1972.

• Alberta continues to lead the country in population growth, with projected growth of 1.1 to 1.8 per cent for 2026.

For more information, visit census.gc.ca.