Alberta was one of only a handful of provinces to see an increase in its birthrate, according to Statistics Canada.

A report released Monday shows only five of Canada's 13 provinces and territories had an increase in the number of births.

While the overall birthrate for the country hit a record low, Alberta saw 40,779 new babies in 2004, up 1.2 per cent from the previous year. 

Leslie Geran, a senior analyst with Statistics Canada, says Alberta's birthrate increase may relate to the province's economic boom, which is attracting people from other provinces and countries.

"Alberta draws in a lot of people, women particularly in their fertile years … when they come, they bring their fertility with them," she said.