Alberta economy projected to outpace Canada's national growth

Alberta is projected to maintain economic growth that outpaces the Canadian national average despite global geopolitical instability and trade uncertainty. According to the latest Economic Outlook from ATB Financial, Alberta’s real GDP is expected to grow by 2.6 per cent in 2026, compared to a projected 0.9 per cent for Canada. For 2027, Alberta’s expansion is forecasted at 2.3 per cent, while national growth is expected to be 1.5 per cent.

The province’s economic resilience is largely anchored by its energy sector, which is seeing expanded production and improved market access for oil and LNG. While Alberta faces a lower tariff burden due to energy exemptions, some businesses may still face significant impacts from sectoral tariffs of up to 50 per cent.

Challenges remaining for the province include affordability pressures, youth underemployment, and high interest rates. Additionally, investment forecasts remain cautious pending final decisions on oil sands projects and a new West Coast pipeline.