about 4% were Chinese in 2003. The age-adjusted mortality for Chinese was 4.2 per 1000 and for non-Chinese 6.2 per 1000 population. Infant mortality was lower for Chinese (4.9/1000 live births) than non-Chinese (6.2/1000 live births). Life expectancy at birth was 6.3 years longer for Chinese males compared to non-Chinese males (83.3 versus 77.0), and 5.4 years longer for Chinese females compared to non-Chinese females (87.9 versus 82.5). Cancer, heart disease and stroke were the leading causes of death for both Chinese and non-Chinese Albertans.

CONCLUSIONS:
The Chinese ethnic population of Alberta had lower mortality and longer life expectancy than remaining Albertans, suggesting that the Chinese population has better health status than other Albertans. Reasons for the health gap between Chinese and non-Chinese populations should be further explored.