The Alberta government has expressed its desire to have more control over provincial immigration to the federal government. Premier Danielle Smith wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, asking him to reconsider the decision that places limitations on the number of immigrants allowed through Alberta’s provincial nominee program in 2024. Despite being informed that Alberta will only receive less than 10,000 allotments, Smith believes that number should be doubled, given Alberta’s role as a key driver of jobs and the national economy. The provincial nominee program nominates individuals for permanent residence in Alberta if they possess the necessary skills to fill job shortages or plan to start a business.
Premier Smith mentioned that 57,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Alberta since the beginning of the Russian invasion and expressed a desire to see more immigrants coming to the province. The federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel expired last summer, but visa holders still have until the end of the month to arrive in Canada. The influx of Ukrainian immigrants highlights the need for Alberta to have more control over its immigration policies to better address the changing demographics and economic needs of the province. By having more flexibility and autonomy in immigration decisions, Alberta believes it can better support its job market and contribute to the national economy.
The request from the Alberta government for more control over provincial immigration comes at a time when the province is facing challenges related to job shortages and economic recovery. With Alberta being a key driver of jobs and the national economy, having the ability to attract and nominate more immigrants through the provincial nominee program can help address these issues. Premier Smith’s letter to Prime Minister Trudeau emphasizes the importance of increasing the number of allotments for the provincial nominee program to better align with the province’s needs and contributions to the overall economy. By advocating for more control over provincial immigration, Alberta aims to create a more robust and dynamic workforce that can support its economic growth.
The impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a significant influx of Ukrainian immigrants to Alberta, further highlighting the need for the province to have more control over its immigration policies. As these immigrants bring valuable skills and contribute to the local economy, having the flexibility to nominate more individuals through the provincial nominee program can help meet the demands of the job market and support economic recovery efforts. Premier Smith’s call for additional allotments for the program reflects the province’s commitment to welcoming and integrating immigrants into Alberta’s communities while also addressing the changing demographic needs of the region.
In the letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, Premier Smith underscores the importance of Alberta’s provincial nominee program in attracting skilled individuals who can fill job shortages and contribute to the province’s economic growth. By increasing the number of allotments for the program, Alberta can better meet the demands of its job market and support its economic recovery efforts. The province’s request for more control over provincial immigration highlights the need for greater flexibility in addressing changing demographics and economic challenges. By working closely with the federal government to re-evaluate immigration policies, Alberta aims to create a more competitive and prosperous workforce that can drive forward the province’s economic development.
