Alberta seeks higher immigration allotment to address workforce shortage, Ukrainian evacuees
Alberta is asking the federal government to increase the number of allocations for its provincial nominee program which allows workers to become permanent citizens.
Alberta's allotment for 2024 is 9,750, down from the 10,140 originally allotted by the federal government, according to Premier Danielle Smith.
"I am very concerned with this decision given the adverse impacts it would have on our province’s economy and ability to help Ukrainian evacuees find permanent jobs and futures in Alberta," Smith wrote in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"In February 2024 employment rose to 2.5 million, up 17,400 month-over-month, which is 4.1 per cent increase year-over-year. Full-time jobs also jumped to 2,070,699."
Alberta has had over 57,000 Ukrainian refugees come to the province since the Russian invasion in 2022.
"Our growing economy is creating a labor shortage in some of our critical industries, including construction technology, health care and education," Smith said. "This shortage hinders our ability to grow and reach our full economic potential, something that all of Canada has relied on for years.
"With so many Ukrainian evacuees arriving right at a time when we have a labor shortage, Ottawa limiting our ability to offer permanent residency doesn't make much sense."
In the letter to the Prime Minister, Smith requested that Alberta receive an allotment of 20,000 for the provincial nomination program each year in 2024, 2025 and 2026, effective immediately.
Smith also requested 10,000 allotments specifically for Ukrainian evacuees.
"Even though we're only 12 per cent of the population, we are getting 23 per cent of the Ukrainian evacuees who are seeking refuge in our country," Smith said. "That's the reason why we want to have a special program that allows for us to settle them."
Upwards of 93 per cent of Ukrainians that have come to Alberta are expected to stay and apply for permanent residency, Smith adds in the letter.
"We want what's best for Alberta. We want to welcome newcomers, including Ukrainians who have the skill sets that we need to keep our economy moving and growing," Smith said.
Supports for Ukrainian newcomers in Alberta include emergency accommodations for up to 14 days when they arrive, a drivers' license exchange program and language and employment support.
"We're also actively working to extend access to key services such as health care and emergency financial supports past April 30 of this year," Smith said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.