According to a news release by the Government of Alberta, they intend to increase the number of skilled laborers from other parts of the world settling in Alberta in the coming years.
This is due to increased nominations the federal government can approve under the AAIP. Rajan Sawhney, the Minister of Trade, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, has announced that Alberta will admit 9,750 individuals under the AAIP in 2023, 10,140 in 2024, and 10,849 in 2025.
This significantly increased from the 6,500 immigrants approved for entry into the province in 2022.
The AAIP aims to attract immigrants to live, work, and settle in rural communities across Alberta. Nominees under this program and their spouses and children are encouraged to enroll for permanent residency.
Sawhney has stated that the increase in economic immigrants will benefit Albertans. He believes that more immigrants are necessary to help develop communities, address labor shortages in critical industries, and sustain Alberta’s economic growth.
Sawhney has advocated for an increase in Alberta’s nomination numbers from the federal government for several months and is pleased to see that his efforts have paid off.
Over the next three years, the Rural Renewal Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream of the AAIP will increase their numbers.
The Rural Renewal Stream will enable qualified candidates with a job offer from an Alberta employer to work in a designated community. The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is designed for immigrants who wish to start a business or purchase an existing one in a rural Alberta community.
As per a news release by the province, despite adding 120,000 jobs in Alberta since the beginning of 2021, there are still around 74,140 job openings across various occupations, skill levels, and sectors. Moreover, there is a projected shortage of 33,100 workers by 2025.
Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions, Kaycee Madu, believes that attracting immigrants is crucial in addressing the labor shortages across the province.
Madu welcomes the increase in nomination certificates for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program and highlights the benefits of newcomers bringing new skills, ideas, and vision to the workforce. He adds that they assist in job creation, diversifying the economy, and strengthening the workforce in all sectors of the economy.
Main Reasons for the increase
Due to the expansion of Alberta’s economy, there are over 100,000 job vacancies in the province. It is predicted that there will be a shortage of 33,100 workers in various jobs, skill levels, and industries by 2025.
As per recent data from Statistics Canada on interprovincial migration within Canada, Alberta is a popular choice among immigrants due to its affordability.
According to Rajan Sawhney, Alberta’s Minister of Immigration, the province needs more skilled immigrants to aid in community growth, address labor shortages in critical sectors, and maintain the province’s economic success.
He has advocated for an increase in Alberta’s nomination numbers from the federal government for several months and is pleased that his request has finally been heard.
