Alberta is experiencing a higher rate of residents falling behind on non-mortgage debt payments compared to the rest of Canada, as revealed in a recent report. According to Equifax Canada’s Market Pulse report for Q2 2026, Alberta has the highest 90-plus-day delinquency rate on non-mortgage debt at 2.45%, surpassing the national rate of 1.76%. This significant difference was highlighted by Kathy Catsiliras, VP of analytical consulting at Equifax Canada.
Catsiliras attributed Alberta’s elevated delinquency rate in part to interprovincial migration trends. She noted a trend of individuals relocating from provinces like Ontario and British Columbia to Alberta in search of lower living costs and better job opportunities, carrying existing debt burdens with them. This influx of residents with pre-existing debt contributes to the challenges faced by individuals settling in Alberta.
Despite leading the country in delinquency rates, Alberta’s 90-plus-day delinquency rate has decreased year-over-year. Cities like Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Calgary were among the highest-ranking cities in Equifax’s report for this metric. Catsiliras emphasized that while people move to Alberta for cost-efficient living, reducing debt remains a challenge.
Total consumer debt across Canada rose to $2.68 trillion in Q2 2026, marking a more than four percent increase compared to the previous year. Although national credit card debt saw a nearly $4 billion rise from Q1 2026, Equifax reported a slight improvement in the 90-day delinquency rate for credit cards nationwide. Catsiliras linked this improvement to a shift towards more cautious spending habits.
The Credit Counselling Society (CCS) noted a growing number of Alberta consumers seeking assistance with non-mortgage debt, mirroring a national trend. Isaiah Chan, CCS’s vice president of programs and services, highlighted that rising debt risks stem from interest rate pressures or changes in income and employment. Chan emphasized the importance of seeking help promptly for those grappling with mounting debt burdens.
In conclusion, the data indicates a concerning trend of increasing debt challenges faced by Canadians, with various factors contributing to the financial pressures experienced by individuals across the country.