Alberta’s Smith Directs Jobs Minister to Seek More Provincial Control Over Immigration

Joseph Schow with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith after being sworn into cabinet as House Leader in Edmonton on Oct. 24, 2022. Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has asked her jobs minister to use “all legal means” to give the province more control over international immigration.

Smith made the request in a new mandate letter issued to Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow, who shared it on social media.

The letter said Alberta wants a “more sustainable level of immigration” with a focus on “economic migrants” who can contribute to the province’s economic growth.

“Our provincial immigration levels and policies should always ensure that Canadian citizens have first access to job opportunities, and that young Canadians are not losing out on employment opportunities to temporary foreign workers,” Smith wrote.

Smith’s letter directs Schow to start a youth hiring incentive program to help young Albertans “develop job ready skills.” He will also work on employment initiatives such as developing a “talent pipeline model” for Alberta and short-term training that responds to labour market needs.

A new Canada Alberta Productivity Grant to help businesses and workers will also become more productive and competitive.

Additional tasks in Schow’s mandate include:

• Representing Alberta’s interests in international trade discussions with the federal government
• Coordinating with Alberta’s executive council to review tax breaks and other business incentives to determine how effective they are in attracting investment
• Working with government, industry, and economic development partners to bring more support from the federal government and private sector for Alberta’s defence industry.

Smith wants to see expanded access and funding for programs that support mentoring, job placement, and other services to help newcomers integrate into the workforce. Schow is also to work with the multiculturalism minister to find ways for cultural communities to more easily observe major holidays, minimizing impact on businesses.

‘Out of Balance’

At a Calgary Chamber of Commerce event on Sept. 17, Smith said immigration levels have caused struggles with housing, schools, and jobs.

“All of these things happen if you’re out of balance with the number of new arrivals into the province versus the capacity of the industry and government to keep up with services,” Smith said.

She said the Constitution sets out shared immigration responsibilities between the provinces and Ottawa, but could be interpreted as giving the provinces the lead on immigration.

“That’s what we’re trying to get a balance on and it’s why we’re consulting on it to see how things might need to change,” the premier said.

Opposition NDP immigration critic Lizette Tejada said Smith’s direction could cause division, as the federal government has already made plans to reduce immigration targets.

“Albertans deserve a government that stays in its own lane and is focused on establishing conditions that allow for all Albertans to feel welcome and to thrive,” Tejada said in a statement.

She said the government should focus on “building and serving.”

Smith’s letter commended the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration for some “great success,” citing the Alberta is Calling campaign and international trade missions to promote Alberta.

The Alberta is Calling campaign was launched in May to attract migrants from other provinces with the promise of a $5,000 moving bonus for eligible candidates.

The new mandate letter comes as Smith and the Alberta Next Panel are making stops around the province to hear from Albertans on how the province can strengthen its position in Canada.

Smith announced the panel in June and sessions will continue until October.

The Canadian Press contributed to this article.