Why Choose Alberta? My Journey as an Immigrant in Canada

I’ve lived in Edmonton, Alberta, for over 11 years now, and I must say, it was a chance encounter that brought me here—a decision I’m forever grateful for. As an immigrant from Bulgaria, my family and I—my husband and our then 1-year-old son—embarked on a journey to start a new life in Canada. Initially, we had our sights set on Montreal, Quebec, but fate had other plans.

We were skilled immigrants with proficiency in French, and I had spent four years studying the language to meet the immigration requirements. After receiving our approval in 2010, we began preparing for life in Quebec. I immersed myself in research, using Google Earth to explore cities, job opportunities, and the best places for newcomers. At the time, neither of us had ever lived outside Bulgaria, let alone in North America.

But just one month before our departure in March 2011, a friend from university, who had also immigrated to Canada, reached out. She and her husband had moved from Quebec to Alberta and insisted that we should come to Alberta instead. “You have to come to Alberta,” she said. “Don’t waste your time in Quebec. We’ll help you, pick you up from the airport, and you can stay with us in Edmonton.” This was a generous offer, especially considering that we had only met once in person at a college party years ago.

We decided to change our plans. My friend Iva bought us tickets from Montreal to Edmonton and arranged for her friends to pick us up at the airport in Montreal, ensuring we made it safely to our connecting flight. Upon arrival in Edmonton, Iva and her husband, Marty, welcomed us into their home and helped us navigate our first months—and years—in Canada. We’ve remained close friends ever since, and our children have grown up as best friends too. Reflecting on it now, I realize how that decision to move to Alberta changed our lives for the better.

Why Alberta Is the Best Choice for Newcomers

From my personal experience, I can confidently say that Alberta is one of the best provinces for newcomers, and here’s why:

• High Wages and Low Unemployment: Alberta boasts one of the highest wage rates in Canada, with a current minimum wage of $15 per hour. The unemployment rate is also one of the lowest in the country, making it an attractive destination for job seekers.
• Major Cities: Edmonton and Calgary are the largest cities in Alberta. Edmonton, where I live, is vast, covering 684.4 km² with a population of 1,568,000 as of 2024. Despite its size, the city is well-organized, with minimal traffic—especially when compared to cities like Toronto and Montreal. This saves you time and money, making daily life more manageable.
• Affordable Living: When we first arrived in Edmonton in 2011, we rented a one-bedroom apartment for $850 per month. Today, that same apartment rents for about $1,300 per month. Although prices have increased, Edmonton remains more affordable than many other major Canadian cities.
• Community Growth: Edmonton’s population grows by 20,000 to 30,000 people each year, including both newcomers and Canadians relocating from other provinces. This steady growth reflects the city’s appeal as a place to live and work.

Starting from Scratch

When we first arrived in Edmonton, we quickly realized how challenging it was to start from scratch without local support. Here are some key aspects of our journey:

• Housing: Finding an apartment to rent was difficult due to our lack of credit history and employment. In Bulgaria, the concept of credit history was unfamiliar to us, but here, it’s essential for renting, taking out loans, and even buying a car. With the help of our friends, who acted as guarantors, we finally secured an apartment after a month of searching. Remember, apartments here are typically unfurnished, so we had to buy furniture. I discovered Kijiji.ca, a great resource for affordable second-hand items.
• Transportation: Getting a car was a priority for us, especially with a young child and limited English skills. Fortunately, the process of buying and registering a car in Alberta was straightforward, taking just a few hours. This was a stark contrast to the lengthy and bureaucratic process we were used to in Bulgaria. Having a car was a lifesaver, especially since public transportation, while reliable, required living close to a bus stop. Even in winter, with temperatures dropping to -25°C, the buses ran on time. However, for daily activities like grocery shopping, a car was essential.
• Driver’s Licences: Our Bulgarian driver’s licences were valid for three months, after which we needed to pass the Canadian driving tests. This was challenging, especially for my husband, who struggled with the language barrier. After six months, we finally obtained our Canadian driver’s licences, but not without some setbacks.
• Finding Work: I arrived in Canada with a master’s degree in accounting and finance and years of experience, confident that finding a job would be easy. However, I quickly learned that employers were hesitant to hire newly arrived immigrants with limited English, no Canadian experience, and little understanding of Canadian work culture. My optimism, however, kept me going during those tough initial months.

In conclusion, while our journey had its challenges, moving to Alberta was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. The support of friends, the opportunities available, and the quality of life in Alberta have made it an ideal place for our family to thrive.