Fair federal funding for Albertans

Press Release

May 08, 2026

Participation in this month’s census will ensure Albertans get their fair share of federal funding to keep up with provincial growth.

Over the past few years, Alberta has experienced unprecedented population growth, exceeding 5 million people in mid-2025. This rapid growth has put significant pressure on Alberta’s health care, education, social services, infrastructure and other key programs people rely on every day.

The census should be completed by May 12, and households should have already received their census letters by mail. Statistics Canada has assured Canadians that all submissions will be kept strictly confidential.

Alberta’s government believes every Albertan matters. Federal funding is based on a per-person formula, meaning every Albertan counted strengthens the resources coming back into our province. By completing the 2026 Census of Population, Albertans can make sure fair funds from federal taxes are being returned to the province through federal transfers. Since the last census in 2021, Alberta’s population has grown by almost 750,000 people.

“Census participation is about more than numbers – it’s about fairness, representation and ensuring Alberta’s growth is fully recognized and supported.”

Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Governments, Indigenous communities and industry associations all depend on census data to plan, invest and build for Alberta’s future. It also helps guide the province as it invests in new schools, expands hospitals, creates seniors housing, and improves highways. Businesses, farm organizations and community groups use this information to better inform their investment decisions, understand local needs and prepare responses to wildfires, droughts or floods.

For more information and to ensure your household is counted, visit the official census website.

Key Facts:

Canada’s national census takes place once every five years.
This year’s census runs from May 4 to 12.
- Results from the 2026 census are expected around 18 months after census day.
Albertans can complete the census online or by mail, using the secure access code the federal government provides.
In 2021, census showed Alberta had a population of 4.26 million, but has seen rapid growth since then, surpassing 5 million by mid-2025.
- In 2023 alone, Alberta’s population grew by more than 200,000, the largest single-year increase since 1972.
Alberta continues to lead the country in population growth, with a projected 1.1 per cent to 1.8 per cent growth expected for 2026.
This fiscal year, Alberta is projected to receive $9.2 billion in combined Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer funding in 2026–27, equivalent to about $1,792 per Albertan.
The federal government says that by law, every household must complete a 2026 Census of Population questionnaire.