Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith has said that federal immigration levels are too low and are affecting her province’s ability to create jobs, grow the economy, and provide aid for those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
She has urged Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to double Alberta’s 2024 PNP allotment of 9,750 to 20,000 and add on top of that 10,000 for Ukraine evacuees.
“We want to offer long-term stability as well as certainty to all newcomers who have chosen to settle in Alberta,” Smith told reporters in Edmonton while releasing her letter to Trudeau.
“Ottawa is preventing us from being able to do that.
“We’re concerned that this is one more example of the federal government interfering in our provincial jurisdiction.”
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“With so many Ukrainian refugees arriving right at a time when we have a labour shortage, [to have] Ottawa limiting our ability to offer permanent residency doesn’t make much sense.”
“Alberta’s stability and economic opportunity offer much needed sanctuary from the chaos and danger in Ukraine. And the promise of a better life here among friendly Albertans is the best gift we can offer them during this unimaginable time,” she further added, as per CBC’s reports.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Smith reported that 57,000 Ukrainians fled to Alberta. Of them – and of those who will come in the future – 90 per cent will seek permanent residency in Alberta.
With this figure in mind, the limit put by Ottawa is being questioned by Alberta, as 12 per cent of Canada’s population is held by it but it leads the country in net employment growth.
“The decision on Alberta’s 2024 allocations represents a reversal of previous commitments by the federal government, and negatively impacts Alberta’s ability to grow and diversify its economy.”
Smith’s attempt to extend provincial control over the immigration system is with relation to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, which allows nominees to apply for PR in the province of Alberta.
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Nominees need to show that they have the requisite skills to fill job shortages or have the skills needed to buy or start an Alberta business.
The program is run by the provincial and federal governments, and Ottawa holds final say over PR applications.
“Even though we are only 12 per cent of the population, we’re getting 23 per cent of the Ukrainian evacuees who are seeking refuge in our country — that’s the reason why we want to have a special program that allows for us to settle them,” Smith said.
“We have welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainian evacuees seeking refuge in our province, under the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel Visa program.”
CUAET is a temporary travel visa that allows Ukrainians and their families to travel, study, and work in Canada for up to three years, or until it is safe for them to go back to Ukraine.
While applications were closed last summer, visa holders have till the end of March to come to Canada.
