Immigration Announcement
Alberta Seeks More Power Over Immigration Policies in 2025
Alberta immigration control has become a central focus for the provincial government this year. Premier Danielle Smith has directed Jobs Minister Joseph Schow to explore all possible legal measures to give the province more authority over international immigration. The government argues that newcomer levels should reflect Alberta’s economic needs while protecting job opportunities for Canadians, especially young workers just entering the labour market.
Why Alberta is Seeking More Immigration Control
Alberta’s government believes that immigration policies need to be more responsive to provincial realities. The province has been clear that while newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, the system must also prioritize local workers.
Premier Smith emphasized that Alberta should focus on:
- Attracting economic migrants with the skills most needed in the province.
- Ensuring Canadian citizens are considered first for available jobs.
- Creating better employment opportunities for young Albertans before relying on temporary foreign workers.
This approach aligns with Alberta’s broader push for greater autonomy from Ottawa across multiple policy areas.
Key Points from the Premier’s Mandate Letter
In her September 17, 2025, mandate letter to Minister Schow, Premier Smith outlined several expectations:
| Priority Area | Directive |
| Immigration Authority | Use all legal means to secure greater provincial control over immigration. |
| Labour Market | Focus immigration on economic migrants while ensuring jobs go first to Canadians and youth. |
| Youth Employment | Introduce hiring incentives and programs to help young Albertans gain job-ready skills. |
| Workforce Development | Build a talent pipeline model with industry input and responsive training. |
| Business Support | Expand Alberta’s global trade missions and improve investment attraction. |
The letter also calls for stronger multicultural integration programs, funding for mentorship and labour attachment, and new legislation to help cultural communities observe holidays more flexibly.
Immigration as a Tool for Growth
While Alberta is pushing for immigration control, Minister Schow has made it clear that immigration remains critical to the province’s economic future. Industries like health care, skilled trades, technology, and construction continue to rely on international talent. The focus, according to the government, is not on reducing immigration overall but on ensuring it is sustainable, targeted, and directly tied to labour market needs.
This balanced approach seeks to:
- Maintain Alberta’s ability to fill urgent job shortages.
- Support long-term population growth.
- Strengthen the province’s competitive edge in attracting global investment.
Looking Ahead
The coming months will show how Alberta’s request for more immigration authority is received by Ottawa. If successful, Alberta could set its own immigration levels more directly, giving the province more flexibility to match newcomers with economic opportunities. What remains clear is that Alberta immigration control will continue to be a headline issue in 2025. For businesses, workers, and potential newcomers, these policy directions may shape not only the labour market but also the province’s role as a leading destination for skilled talent in Canada.
