Every year, people from across Canada and all over the world choose Alberta as an ideal place to work and live. Alberta’s high standard of living, diverse and welcoming communities and beautiful landscapes make it a great place to call home. Below are some of the services and facilities this province provides

Health

‘Alberta provides free hospital and medical services to residents. Take some time to explore how the health care system works and how to use it. There are also resources to help you look after yourself and your family’s health.

Alberta provides free basic health insurance through the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This plan covers permanent and temporary residents. It does not cover visitors or tourists. The AHCIP covers many medical expenses, but not everything. Basic health care insurance under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan does not cover eyeglasses, prescription drugs, dental care, the use of ambulances or some other health expenses.

After registering, you will receive a personal health care card. Doctor, laboratory, health clinic and hospital visits are free with your card. If you do not have your card, you may be charged for a visit.

Walk-in clinics
You do not need an appointment to visit a walk-in clinic.

Family doctors
You must make an appointment to see a family doctor.

Public health offices and community health centres
These facilities are different from hospitals or clinics. They offer services such as immunization and support programs. They also offer information on many health-related topics.

Emergency medical services
If you can’t safely get to a hospital on your own, call 911, and an ambulance will arrive to take you to the nearest hospital. You may be charged a fee for using an ambulance if you do not have private health insurance that covers this service.

Mental health services
Many people will experience a mental health illness at some point in their lives. Free health services are available for mental health issues, addictions, crisis situations and more.

Education

Alberta takes pride in its high-quality education system. Students consistently earn high scores in sciences, reading and writing, and mathematics. Many adults take advantage of educational opportunities, including English language classes and post-secondary studies.

Public education for children aged five to 19 years old is free. In Alberta children between the ages of six and 16 must attend school. Parents can choose to send their child to kindergarten. The school system is divided into 12 grade levels and three school categories (elementary, junior high and high school). Types of primary and secondary schools in Alberta are Public schools, Separate schools, Francophone schools, and Charter schools.

Adults of all ages take post-secondary programs to earn credentials, improve their knowledge and learn new skills. Types of post-secondary institutions and programs for adults include Universities, Public colleges, Private colleges, Polytechnic institutes, Private vocational schools, Apprenticeship training programs.

Transportation

Public transit in Alberta includes buses and trains. They can help you travel within a city and outside the city. Alberta has major international airports in Edmonton and Calgary that give induvial the services to travel by air. In Alberta, new drivers who want to commute with their own vehicle must go through a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. This includes a knowledge test, one year of supported driving experience and a full road test.

Work

Public transit in Alberta includes buses and trains. They can help you travel within a city and outside the city. Alberta has major international airports in Edmonton and Calgary that give induvial the services to travel by air. In Alberta, new drivers who want to commute with their own vehicle must go through a Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) program. This includes a knowledge test, one year of supported driving experience and a full road test.

You have legal rights and responsibilities as a worker. Workers’ rights and responsibilities protect you in your workplace. Employment Standards are the rules about hours of work, pay, holidays and other benefits. Occupational Health and Safety laws help keep you safe at work.

Albertans are hard-working, driven people. Once you have settled in you may start to think about your next step. If you are thinking about starting your own business, there are many resources available to help you.

Community and Lifestyle

Our communities are 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. Each summer at Heritage Days, Albertans celebrate multicultural diversity through the food and dance of people from over 60 countries, who are proud to call Alberta home.

Calgary and Edmonton are the two biggest cities in Alberta. Almost half of Alberta’s population lives in these urban centres. They both feature a large urban core surrounded by residential areas known as suburbs. The cities offer major universities, modern hospitals, and many cultural and sports facilities.

Alberta has four distinct seasons—from beautiful summers to snowy winters and everything in between. Enjoy swimming and family picnics in our hot summers, hiking in our mild springs and crisp autumns, and tobogganing and skating in our snowy winters. Alberta enjoys the highest number of sunny days in Canada, with up to 18 hours of daylight in summer.

Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture

Breathtaking natural vistas, fascinating museums and historic sites, colourful arts venues and recreation facilities are just some of the ways a visitor to Alberta can spend leisure time.

There’s a provincial park or recreation area within an hour’s drive of every Alberta community and Alberta’s protected areas provide access to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. With 600 lakes, 245 rivers and over 78,000 square kilometres of parks, Alberta has an abundance of recreational opportunities and over 2300 hours of sunshine each year to enjoy them. Alberta’s network of recreation and protected areas has something for everyone, no matter the season.

Students are encouraged to participate in sports at school, and everyone is encouraged to join teams and use community recreation centres such as swimming pools and ice arenas. As hockey is a big part of Canadians, in Alberta the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames are some of the provincial teams taking part in professional hockey league NHL.

Alberta is a place of diverse peoples – with culture an important part of our healthy and balanced society. The province enjoys a rich heritage shaped by people from all over the world. Throughout Alberta, you’ll find vibrant arts and entertainment scene, filled with cuisine, music and festivals of dozens of ethnicities.