Premier Danielle Smith has instructed Jobs Minister Joseph Schow to pursue “all legal means” to secure more provincial authority over immigration, arguing that Alberta must set sustainable newcomer levels aligned with its economic needs. The mandate letter emphasizes prioritizing economic migrants, ensuring Canadian citizens have first access to jobs, and giving young Albertans opportunities before turning to temporary foreign workers. While Schow has not outlined concrete steps, he reaffirmed that Alberta views immigration as a tool to fill labour shortages. Smith and her United Conservative Party have increasingly criticized federal immigration policies, particularly around temporary foreign workers and family reunification programs. The directive also ties into Alberta’s broader push to gain more power from Ottawa, with the Alberta Next panel gathering public feedback across the province. Beyond immigration, the mandate calls for boosting youth employment programs, enhancing investment attraction strategies, and supporting Alberta businesses in expanding globally.
Alberta pushes for greater immigration control
