Have you tried googling licensing standards for Alberta, local provider networks, childcare resource programs or other services that might have the information you need? Here in Ontario for example we have Ontario Early Years Centres ~ they provide support to both parents and caregivers and even offer Home Childcare training supports to help get businesses up and running within the guidelines?

My second hand information understanding is you can have up to 7 children without requiring a license but not sure how that breaks down age wise and if it includes your own children or anything?

My quick google search found this?
http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/1159.cfm

As for are there many providers, is it hard to find clients and cost ~ when I was trying to determine supply and demand in my home town I used kijiji and daycarebear and other advertizing sites to search for the number of providers in my area with open space .... if there are hordes advertizing than you know that there is more supply than demand and you can see what the fee range people are charging by their ads, I called up a few in my city and asked for advice for a newbie ~ you would be surprised how helpful fellow providers can be if you just ask ... home childcare providers tend to be very supportive of each other and it will help you to find new people to network with when you do move

And not saying you would do this but because many do just want to put a public service announcement while doing your research please do not pretend to be a parent to get information on programs cause that is just BAD KARMA to get a providers hopes up about a potential client only for them to eventually clue in that you were just another provider looking for information ~ being open and honest will get you more open and honest answers to get your business up and going better