For the first time, the combined population of British Columbia and Alberta has surpassed the number of people living in Quebec, growth that could translate into more Western political influence.

A report released Wednesday by Statistics Canada estimates that B.C. and Alberta have 7,686,215 people between them. Quebec had slightly less, at 7,651,531.

Development of Alberta's oil sands has pumped billions into its economy.
(Canadian Press)

The report examines the period between July 1, 2005, and July 1, 2006.

In Alberta, the population increased to 3.38 million from 3.28 million in the 12-month period — three times the national average growth rate.

Measured as a ratio to the population of the province, Alberta's increase of roughly 100,000 outpaced the growth in any other province.

"This was due to its booming economy and its highest-ever level of migration from other parts of Canada," said the report. 

Canada's population increased by 324,000, to an estimated 32.62 million people.

B.C.'s growth rate also surpassed the national rate, up from 4.26 million to 4.31 million.

More Western influence?

Political observers believe the population growth in B.C. and Alberta may boost what many see as inadequate federal representation for the West.

A total of 64 members of Parliament are chosen from B.C.and Alberta, compared to Quebec's 75 seats.

Todd Hirsch, with the Canada West Foundation, predicted the West would eventually catch up.

"When they do redistribute seats in the House of Commons, it'll be adding seats to certain provinces, probably to Alberta and British Columbia," said Hirsch.

Immigrants key to growth

International migration is the main reason for the country's population growth, accounting for two-thirds of the annual increase, said the report.

In the 12-month period, 254,400 immigrants entered Canada — 9,800 more than the previous year. It's the highest number of immigrants to come to Canada since 2001/2002, says Statistics Canada.

More than half of those — 133,100 — chose to make Ontario home.

With 43,900 immigrants, British Columbia was the second most popular choice, surpassing Quebec for the first time in five years. Quebec was third with 42,000 immigrants.

The provinces with declining population rates are Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan.

The territories offered a wide range of population trends, with Nunavut welcoming more than 700 new residents. Yukon had a slight rise of about 100 people, while the population of the Northwest Territories dropped by more than 700.

Also included in the Statistics Canada report:

• 81 per cent of immigrants settled in Ontario, Quebec or B.C., down from the high of 89.7 per cent in 2001/2002.
• In the 1980s, immigrants accounted for less than 35 per cent of Canada's growth. That rose to 46 per cent the following decade.
• Roughly 57,000 people came to Alberta from other provinces — more than double last year's rate. The former record was 46,000 during the first oil boom in 1980/1981.
• Quebec experienced a 20-year high in its birth rate, at 78,500 births. It's the highest since 1996/1997 (82,900 births).
• P.E.I. is the only Atlantic Canadian province to report a positive growth rate.