More immigrants will be allowed to settle in Alberta in order to address labour shortages.
The federal government is increasing the number of nominations that can be approved under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The province will be able to admit 9,750 people in 2023 – a substantial increase from 6,500 approved in 2022. That number will further increase to 10,140 in 2024, and 10,849 in 2025 – a move the province believes is a win for the economy.
“Alberta needs more immigrants. We need them to help grow our communities, address labour shortages in key sectors and help continue Alberta’s economic success,” said Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney.
“I have lobbied the federal government for many months to receive an increase in Alberta’s nomination numbers, and I am pleased to see that they have listened to my request.”
The province has added 120,000 jobs since 2021, but there are still about 74,140 job openings and a forecasted shortage of 33,100 workers by 2025.
Through the AAIP, people are nominated for permanent residence. Nominees must have the skills to fill job shortages, or plan to buy or start a business in Alberta. They also must prove they can provide for their families.
With opportunities in all sectors and at all skill levels, there are numerous pathways for newcomers to make a strong impact in their new communities and contribute to the province’s economic momentum.
“This significant increase to the number of newcomers Alberta will be able to welcome through the AAIP will be a meaningful positive to our economy and society,” said Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta.
“Immigration helps Alberta in so many ways, one of which is to help fill critical shortages in high-demand occupations. We’ve called for a major increase in accelerated economic immigration to meet these needs, and we applaud the provincial and federal governments for working together collaboratively to make this happen.”
Pathways include the Alberta Express Entry Stream for those with high-demand skills with Alberta family connections, as well as the Rural Renewal and Rural Entrepreneur streams to attract workers to non-urban areas.
There is also the Accelerated Tech Pathway, Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, and Graduate Entrepreneur Stream. The Responding to the Crisis in Ukraine pathway is also available for Ukrainians impacted by Russia’s invasion.
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website here.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the contact page.