Alberta’s immigration minister is pushing back against Ottawa’s decision to accept 10,000 new applications for parent and grandparent sponsorships, saying the move adds pressure to already strained provincial services.
Minister Matt Schow said the federal government’s immigration policies have created unsustainable demands on health care, education, housing and social services across provinces. Nearly two million newcomers entered Canada last year, according to the minister.
“Alberta’s government is deeply concerned by the federal government’s recent decision to invite 10,000 new applications to sponsor parents and grandparents of newcomers at a time when provinces are already struggling to meet the demands placed on health care, education, housing and social services due to Ottawa’s reckless immigration policies,” Schow said in a statement.
Province seeks coordination on immigration targets
The minister said Alberta welcomes newcomers who contribute to communities and the economy, but argues the federal government makes immigration decisions without proper coordination with provinces that deliver frontline services.
“While we respect the importance of family reunification, inviting large numbers of parents and grandparents into the country without proper coordination with provinces places disproportionate strain on already busy health systems,” Schow said.
The minister warned that overwhelmed systems create concerns for both Albertans and newcomers who may not receive timely care.
Alberta pushes for reduced immigration levels
Alberta is calling on the federal government to reduce total immigration to under 500,000 annually and give provinces more input on how immigration targets are set.
“Immigration must be sustainable and aligned with provincial capacity and priorities. The federal government cannot continue to make unilateral decisions that ignore the realities on the ground,” Schow said.
The province wants Ottawa to allow provincial systems time to adapt before adding more pressure through additional immigration programs.
“We are once again calling on Ottawa to respect its partnerships with provinces and territories, reduce total immigration to under 500,000 annually, and to give provinces more say in how immigration targets are set. Our systems need time to catch up before more pressure is added,” the minister said.
