Light image resembling a UFO. Image taken by Tim Sandle.
With over 1,000 reported UFO sightings in Canada each year, the Canadian government has called for a dedicated force to investigate unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs).
The possibility of aliens, should they exist, reaching Earth is the thing of speculative fiction. But, for the sake of amusement, and putting aside any notion of why aliens would target Canada first, if an alien invasion happened, which Canadian provinces would stand the best chance of survival?
Of course, such a serious study is only possible if undertaken using advanced computer modelling. This has not prevented one firm from trying such an exercise (as notified to Digital Journal). This took into account military strength, food security, freshwater access and population density to reveal the most (and least) survivable provinces in an alien invasion.
All metrics were analysed on a per capita basis to ensure fairness across provinces of varying sizes, allowing smaller provinces to be weighed equally alongside larger ones. The data was sourced from Statistics Canada, the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), and World Population Review.
The key variables analysed included:
- UFO sightings: The number of UFO sightings per 100,000 people, which could indicate regions of heightened extraterrestrial activity.
- Forest coverage: Percentage of land area covered by forests, providing potential hiding spots and natural defence advantages.
- Population density: Lower population density suggests more space for civilians to hide or organize resistance.
- Water access: Percentage of the province covered by freshwater, critical for long-term survival.
- Food security: Number of food manufacturing companies and agricultural workers, indicating the province’s ability to sustain its population.
- Military and police strength: Number of active military personnel and police officers per 100,000 people, crucial for defence.
- Medical and scientific expertise: Number of professionals in medical, engineering, and scientific fields that would be essential for responding to an invasion.
Quebec is the most likely to survive an alien invasion
According to the exercise, Quebec ranks first for surviving an alien invasion, with a 7.96/10 survivability score. Its 54 percent forest coverage offers a large area of natural barriers, while 12 percent freshwater area and a low population density of 5.86 per square kilometre make the province less exposed to attacks. Quebec has 5 UFO sightings per 100,000 people, with sightings lasting an average of 12.48 minutes, providing time for detection. With 218 military personnel per 100,000 – 21 percent more than Prince Edward Island (172) and 188.7 police officers per 100,000, Quebec is well-prepared for any alien threats.
Ontario ranks second with a 7.51/10 survivability score. The province has plenty of resources, offering 59 percent forest coverage and 15% freshwater area – the largest freshwater area on the list. Ontario sees 16 UFO sightings per 100,000 people, with an average sighting duration of 10.93 minutes – the shortest on the list. While the duration is shorter than some other provinces, its strong defence (216 military personnel per 100,000) and food supply (48,346 farms, 2,402 food businesses) make Ontario resilient in a crisis.
Manitoba ranks third with a 7.44/10 survivability score. The province is a UFO hotspot, with 17 sightings per 100,000 people, the highest out of all the other provinces and three times more than Quebec. The average sighting duration is 13.85 minutes, giving time for detection and response. Manitoba’s low population density (2.29 per square kilometre) makes it less vulnerable to concentrated attacks, while its agricultural workforce and food security ensure it is well-equipped for survival.
Nova Scotia has the longest UFO visit duration in the country, with sightings lasting an average of 20.85 minutes. Alongside, New Brunswick, stands out for its 85 percent forest coverage, offering vast natural barriers and resources to withstand potential threats.
British Columbia ranks last with a survivability score of 6.43/10, mainly due to its limited natural defences and high population density. Despite 63 percent forest coverage and 2 percent freshwater area, the province’s urban areas make it a prime target for alien forces. While it has 1,143 food businesses, the province’s defence forces of 169.93 active military personnel per 100,000 people may not be sufficient to protect against a large-scale invasion. Its reliance on cityscapes and limited natural barriers in some regions leaves it more exposed to attacks, decreasing its chances of survival compared to other provinces.
In this article:pseudo-science, sightings, Space, Stars, UFO
Written ByDr. Tim Sandle
Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
