Filipino immigrants keep discovering Alberta, Canada, thanks to its healthy job market, welcoming weather, and quality of life. Lower cost of living plays a part too as many Canadians and immigrants choose Alberta for its affordability. The province’s two main cities, Edmonton and Calgary, are the fourth and fifth most popular Canadian cities for immigrants and draw newcomers with their inviting outdoor spaces and sunny days. In recent years, Filipinos have been the largest expats moving to Alberta and calling it home.
A Bright Outlook for Alberta’s Economy, Job Opportunities, and Housing
Alberta offers residents a strong economy and job market and is often referred to as the “energy province.” As a global leader in the oil and gas industry, the industry accounts for one of every 16 jobs in the province. Alberta’s manufacturing sector also continues to grow. And forestry, and large farming and ranching industries, are vital to the province’s economic health.
Wages and taxes favor residents of Alberta
Due to low unemployment and high workers demand, the province’s average wages and salaries have been competitive with the rest of the country. In fact, Alberta’s median after-tax household income has been among the highest. On top of this, Albertans reap tax benefits—the lowest personal taxes in Canada, no general sales tax, low property taxes, and the lowest gasoline tax rate in the country.
Housing affordability makes Alberta stand out
The popularity of the province has increased demand for housing, but Alberta remains a relatively affordable place to buy or rent housing as home builders have kept pace with demand. In Alberta, the percentage of household income dedicated to housing costs is less than the Canada average, at approximately 25%.1 The province also provides subsidized rental housing for Albertans with low income.
Education and Job Training Available Throughout the Province
Alberta is known for having one of the most well-developed education systems in Canada providing schooling and job-specific training for its residents. It also offers career planning and student financial assistance. You can find information on kindergarten to 12th grade post-secondary education and adult learning. Are your interested in the trades? Learn about the designated trades that are regulated by the government in Alberta and take a look at available apprenticeships and industry training programs.
Sunshine and Activities in Alberta
With about 312 days of sunshine a year, Alberta gives residents plenty of hours to get out and about, including the winter season! SnowDays is a month-long event in Banff and Lake Louise that celebrates the glory of winter. The event features ice carving, snow sculpting, trick skiers and horses skijoring!
Calgary and Edmonton stay active year-round as the two sunniest cities in Canada and give residents plenty of choices for their downtime.
Calgary
Calgary offers plenty of activities from catching a Calgary Flames hockey game to multiple festivals and events all year long. The world’s largest rodeo, the Calgary Stampede puts on a fierce competition and multi-stage music festival each summer. And the August Edmonton Folk Music Festival is known throughout the country and beyond for attracting the best voices in folk.
Winter festivals in Calgary include Nitro RallyCross. This event gets hearts pumping as elite drivers commandeer explosively quick and nimble electric race cars on snow and ice!
Edmonton
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, sits on the banks of the North Saskatachewan River and offers some of the best indoor and outdoor activities in Canada. Yes, it’s home to the largest shopping mall in North America, but it also has North America’s largest urban green space, the River Valley park system, which can be accessed through various spots in the city.
Filipinos Find a Home in Lac La Biche and Other Communities
Lac La Biche is a hamlet in a county perched on a lake of the same name. Like many communities in Alberta, this small area northeast of Edmonton is considered affordable and safe, as well as diverse.
Lac La Biche has welcomed the Filipino community. The town celebrates Christmas each year with a Paskong Pinoy gathering where everyone enjoys traditional Filipino dishes and the children exchange presents. One Filipino resident of Lac La Biche said living in Lac La Biche has helped him connect with his heritage. Other Filipinos who have found new homes in Calgary share stories of their lives in Alberta.
Sending Money Home to the Philippines
After settling in Alberta, you may want to send money to family in the Philippines. Sending money by the Western Union app can get funds to family in minutes¹ depending on the payment and receiving methods. You can transfer money from your bank account, credit card or debit card to Philippines. The transfer can be make directly to recipients bank account or mobile wallet account or for withdrawal at one of the Western Union’s partner agents in Philippines.
Keep in mind that currency conversion fees and exchange rates may affect the total amount you send. You can review an estimate of these on the website or on the app before you send funds.
