Province Calls for Lower Immigration Targets and Greater Provincial Input
Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Matt Schow, has voiced strong concerns over the federal government’s decision to invite 10,000 new applications for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program.
In a statement, Minister Schow criticized Ottawa for adding strain to provincial health care, education, housing, and social services, noting that nearly two million newcomers entered Canada last year. While affirming Alberta’s commitment to welcoming immigrants, he emphasized that large numbers of sponsored parents and grandparents—often requiring additional health supports—could overwhelm already stretched systems.
Schow called on the federal government to collaborate more closely with provinces, cap annual immigration at 500,000, and align targets with provincial capacity. He stressed that “immigration must be sustainable and coordinated” to protect both Albertans and newcomers.