Alberta to lead Canada in economic growth in 2026 says ATB

Jun 11, 2026 | 4:38 PM

ATB Financial says that “Alberta’s economy continues to weather the geopolitical storm better than most.”

ATB is predicting that Alberta will lead the country in economic growth this year.

It says in a news release that “real GDP will grow by 2.6 per cent in 2026.”

The prediction for economic growth in Alberta last December was 2.1 per cent, but that was before the war in Iran.

The national growth rate is predicted to be 0.8 percent.

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ATB says the energy business and a growing population are supporting this growth.

“Driven by relative housing affordability and an improving labour market, a steady influx of new residents is leading to more catch-up construction and momentum on consumer spending than elsewhere in the country,” says the release from ATB.

At the same time, ATB says there is still high unemployment among youth, a high cost of living, and uncertainty over the CUSMA trade agreement.

“Alberta is moving like a fast car restricted to the slow lane. The momentum is clear, with Alberta leading in job gains and consumer activity. However, the trade conflict, ongoing cost of living pressures, and transportation infrastructure constraints are keeping the province from hitting top gear,” says ATB Financial vice president and chief economist Mark Parsons in that release.

by Curtis Galbraith

Alberta to lead Canada in economic growth in 2026 says ATB

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