Recent letters to the editor have cast a critical eye on Alberta's rapid population growth, arguing that while the province's "Alberta Is Calling" campaign successfully attracted new residents, a corresponding plan to manage the influx was conspicuously absent.
The "Healthy Immigrant" Effect and Infrastructure Strain
One letter writer, Gerard Bolduc of Sherwood Park, challenges the common narrative that blames crowded emergency rooms on immigration. He points to consistent research showing a "healthy immigrant effect," where newcomers often arrive healthier than the Canadian-born population, with lower rates of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Bolduc cites a major Ontario study that tracked over 10 million adults and found immigrants were significantly less likely to develop kidney failure, one of the most expensive chronic conditions to treat. He argues that the pressure on hospitals, schools, and housing in cities like Edmonton and Calgary stems from broader population growth, which includes tens of thousands of people moving from other provinces.
The core issue, according to Bolduc, is not the health of immigrants but failures in workforce and infrastructure planning. He suggests that co-operation with the federal government on aligning population policy with provincial funding and training would yield better long-term results than confrontation. His conclusion is succinct: "'Alberta Is Calling' worked. Planning for the call volume didn't."
Political Criticism and the Blame Game
Another letter from Deanna Nemirsky of Edmonton shifts focus to the political response. She expresses frustration with the United Conservative Party (UCP) and Premier Danielle Smith, accusing them of using immigration as a scapegoat for failures in the education and health systems.
Nemirsky specifically criticizes the Alberta Next panel, calling it unrepresentative of the province's population and predicting the cabinet will accept all seven of its recommendations. She even remarks that former premier Jason Kenney "is looking pretty good right now" in comparison.
Her argument centers on investment, stating that proper funding in education over the past 30 years by conservative governments would now be paying societal dividends. "The real problem is in the poor funding and management of both," she writes, dismissing the government's "diatribe on immigration."
The Underlying Message: Planning Over Politics
Together, these letters from Alberta residents highlight a growing public concern that transcends typical political debates. The consensus is that population growth—from all sources—is a reality for which the province was unprepared.
The key takeaways from the correspondence are clear:
- Immigrants are not the primary cause of healthcare strain, according to health data.
- Interprovincial migration has contributed massively to Alberta's recent growth.
- Marketing campaigns to attract people were successful, but the necessary planning for housing, healthcare, and education lagged behind.
- Long-term solutions require strategic investment and co-ordination, not blame.
As Alberta continues to be a destination for Canadians and newcomers alike, the call from these citizens is for forward-looking policy and infrastructure development to match the province's ambitious growth targets.
