Overview
Alberta is made up of a diverse set of cultures and communities that are home to many world-class services. Life in Alberta provides many opportunities for you and your family.
Cost of living
Higher incomes
Families in Alberta typically enjoy a higher family income than other parts of Canada. In the 2016 Canadian Income Survey, Alberta families earned a median income of $92,800 after tax. This is well above the Canadian average of $78,400.
To find out how much you could earn, visit OCCinfo and select your occupation.
Lower cost of living
Alberta offers many cost-of-living advantages, such as:
- no provincial health-care premiums
- no provincial sales tax (PST)
- tax rebates and credits to further help with your finances
Residents in every other province pay up to 10% in addition to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid by all Canadians.
Community and lifestyle
Our communities are part of what make Alberta such a great place to live. They range from small, rural towns to our two major cities, Calgary and Edmonton. There are many places you could live, each with its own unique character, and plenty of opportunities for work across the province, including in smaller rural towns.
Celebrating Diversity in Alberta (video)
Health care
Cost and access
Alberta's health care system gives people access to:
- hospitals
- clinics
- a variety of social support services
- qualified physicians and health care workers
Learn what's covered and how to access Alberta health care services.
Healthy environments
Alberta takes preserving the environment very seriously.
Alberta’s climate leadership plan promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Water for Life action plan helps manage and protect Alberta’s clean water resources.
Alberta is very proud of its natural resources and works hard to ensure that Alberta Parks are maintained in peak condition.
Education and training
Kindergarten to Grade 12
Alberta has an excellent education system, with many options based on language or religion. Schooling is free from kindergarten to Grade 12. It is required from ages 6 to 16. Catholic and Francophone options are available. Alberta teachers encourage leadership, create a love of learning, and instil confidence and pride in their students.
Provincial tests ensure that the highest standards are maintained. These tests also allow teachers and parents to determine how students are doing and what help they may need.
Learn more about K-12 education in Alberta.
Post-secondary education
Universities and colleges
With 26 universities and colleges, Alberta has many post-secondary options. The Alberta government subsidizes tuition fees, and the cost varies across the province. Institutions post tuition costs on their websites.
Learn more about post-secondary education in Alberta.
Technical training
Post-secondary options in Alberta include polytechnic institutes such as the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton. These institutes offer certificates, diplomas, applied degrees, apprenticeships and continuing education programs related to trades and technical work.
International education
Alberta schools include programs to prepare students to communicate with other cultures. Young people learn about the international community and how to become global citizens.
Learn more about international education in Alberta.
Weather
With 1,900 hours of sunshine in the north and 2,300 hours of sunshine in the south annually, Alberta is Canada’s sunniest province.
Local radio, television and newspapers give daily weather forecasts. For forecasts online, go to the weather section of the Environment Canada website.
Radio and television stations announce weather watches and warning, as well as school closures, during extreme conditions.
Contact
To connect with the Immigrate to Alberta Information Service:
Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (Open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6419
Toll free: 1-877-427-6419