Fertility care, whether funded by provincial programs or employer benefits, is becoming increasingly vital not only for attracting and retaining skilled workers but also for reducing Alberta's heavy dependence on immigration. Researchers highlighted this pressing issue on Monday while releasing a comprehensive report detailing the experiences of employees navigating fertility treatments across the province.
The Demographic Challenge
"The replacement rate needed to sustain our population is 2.1 children per woman," explained Michelle Chidley, chair of Fertility Alberta, a non-profit organization advocating for improved access to fertility treatment. "We are nowhere near that 2.1 threshold, which means we cannot grow our economy unless our population stabilizes or increases. Currently, only 16 percent of Alberta's projected population growth will come from natural births. The remaining 84 percent must come from immigration and migration."
Rising Infertility Rates
The challenge of reproduction is intensifying across Alberta. Approximately 250,000 Albertans are currently facing infertility, with average treatment costs reaching $35,000 per person. "Infertility is definitely steadily on the rise," confirmed Dr. Sarah Orton, a biology professor at Mount Royal University and one of the researchers behind the report. "We observe prevalence numbers increasing every single year."
Impact on Employment and Finances
Researchers from Mount Royal University and Fertility Alberta initiated their study two years ago to examine how infertility affects employees in the workplace. They surveyed 206 fertility patients across Alberta, organized into four focus groups, and discovered that 61 percent of respondents required external financial assistance to cover treatment costs. This help came in the form of loans, gifts from family members, and contributions from friends.
While 39 percent of respondents described their workplace culture as supportive of fertility treatment, a significant 65 percent reported that their infertility issues negatively impacted their employment. Furthermore, 82 percent of respondents took time off work for treatment, using vacation days, sick leave, or arriving late to appointments. Many described living what they called a "double life"—balancing professional responsibilities with the emotional and physical demands of fertility care.
Personal Experiences
"I did feel there were two personalities," shared Zulaika Cove, a panelist at the report's presentation who underwent fertility treatment for eight years before becoming a mother of twin boys. She explained that maintaining a professional persona became increasingly difficult alongside the disappointment of struggling with infertility. "You start questioning yourself," she added.
Barriers Beyond the Workplace
The obstacles extended beyond employment challenges. Twenty-three percent of respondents waited six months for treatment, while 12 percent received necessary care only after a year. A quarter of those surveyed traveled more than 60 kilometers to access fertility services. "When we added everything in and factored all the costs, my husband realized that we could have actually paid off our mortgage," Cove revealed, highlighting the substantial financial burden.
Broader Context
Infertility is not unique to Alberta. A growing number of nations are grappling with similar issues as couples delay childbirth due to various factors, including pursuit of higher education, career advancement goals, and affordability concerns. These challenges disproportionately affect young workers. By late 2025, the unemployment rate for workers aged 15 to 24 was more than double the national average, exacerbating the financial pressures that contribute to delayed family planning.
The research underscores that fertility care is not merely a personal health matter but a critical component of Alberta's long-term economic strategy. Without addressing these barriers, the province risks continued over-reliance on immigration to sustain population growth and economic vitality.
