Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Matt Jones, has raised serious concerns about the federal government’s decision to invite 10,000 new applications for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP). With increasing pressure on healthcare, education, housing, and social support services, Alberta is urging to rethink its Canada immigration levels approach and give provinces a real voice in shaping policy.
This announcement comes at a time when many provinces, not just Alberta, are already dealing with the weight of a rapidly growing population and infrastructure that’s struggling to keep up.
Alberta Questions Ottawa’s Approach to Family Reunification
While the province has always been open to newcomers, Alberta argues that Canada’s immigration levels have reached unsustainable numbers. According to federal figures, nearly 2 million newcomers entered Canada in 2023, a figure that Alberta says was implemented without provincial input.
Here’s what Alberta is pushing back on:
- Inviting 10,000 more family members when public services are stretched thin
- Lack of consultation with provinces regarding immigration planning
- Little to no coordination on housing and healthcare capacities
The minister pointed out that although family reunification is important, large-scale immigration decisions cannot happen in isolation from provinces tasked with delivering on-the-ground services.
Alberta Welcomes Immigrants, But Systems Need Relief
The province isn’t calling for a shut door, but a balanced one. The call is for realistic, coordinated immigration, not one-sided decisions from Ottawa. Alberta has a rich history of embracing skilled workers and entrepreneurs who fuel the province’s economy. However, adding large numbers of parents and grandparents, many of whom may need healthcare or financial support, without planning could lead to:
- Longer hospital wait times
- More classroom overcrowding
- Further pressure on affordable housing
Alberta’s message is clear: if the federal government continues to make major immigration decisions without provincial consultation, it risks destabilizing the very systems that support both Canadians and newcomers.
Alberta’s Call: Reduce Intake and Share the Responsibility
To create a sustainable path forward, Alberta is asking Ottawa to:
- Reduce total immigration to below 500,000 annually
- Offer provinces a stronger voice in setting immigration targets
- Align future family reunification programs with healthcare and housing capacities
This is not about closing the door – it’s about managing immigration in a way that benefits everyone, including newcomers themselves, who deserve timely care and a safe place to live.
Alberta Pushes for Practical, Provincial-Inclusive Immigration
This latest statement from Alberta adds to growing concern across the country about Canada’s immigration levels and the lack of coordination with provinces. As Alberta calls for a more balanced and sustainable plan, the spotlight is now on Ottawa to respond.
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