Calgary Immigration Professionals Decry Alberta's Referendum as Misguided and Politically Charged
Leaders from workforce development agencies and newcomer-serving organizations in Calgary are issuing strong warnings about the Alberta government's proposed immigration referendum, calling it misguided, politically motivated, and potentially damaging to the province's economy and social fabric. The referendum, scheduled for October 20, will present voters with five questions about immigration policy that could significantly reshape how Alberta manages newcomers.
Premier Smith Announces Referendum Amid Fiscal Concerns
In an address to Albertans on Thursday, Premier Danielle Smith announced the upcoming referendum, framing it as a necessary response to fiscal pressures linked to declining oil prices and what she described as runaway population growth. Smith delivered sharp criticism of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's immigration policies, labeling them disastrous and blaming federal immigration management for straining Alberta's healthcare system, infrastructure, and social services.
The referendum, if supported by Albertans, could grant the province authority to pursue legislation restricting access to social services and would require non-permanent residents to live in Alberta for twelve months before qualifying for provincially funded programs.
Calgary Immigration Consultant Calls Announcement Unfortunate and Ill-Timed
Peter Veress, president of Calgary-based immigration consulting firm Vermax Group Inc., has worked with Canadian employers for over two decades on labor-market planning, international recruitment, and regulatory compliance. He characterized Smith's announcement as unfortunate, ill-timed, and political.
Veress expressed particular concern about the timing, noting that Alberta is actively promoting itself as a destination for investment tied to large-scale energy infrastructure and industrial projects. He said he was surprised by Smith's emphasis on immigration as a primary driver of fiscal challenges, suggesting the issue was being presented as a convenient stand-in for broader frustrations around affordability and healthcare.
These complex issues, Veress argued, require careful coordination and planning rather than scapegoating. He characterized Smith's messaging as wedge politics that could ultimately undermine economic growth and deter investment in the province.
Potential Consequences for Alberta's Economy and Social Cohesion
Veress warned that the referendum appears designed to mobilize a specific political constituency rather than address the nuanced policy challenges surrounding immigration. The result, he suggested, is a message that may generate short-term political alignment at the cost of long-term economic and social coherence.
Workforce and newcomer agency leaders are particularly concerned that the referendum could deepen existing labor shortages while fueling anti-immigrant sentiment across Alberta. They argue that immigration has been crucial to addressing workforce gaps and supporting economic growth in the province.
Newcomer Agencies React with Concern
Sally Zhao, president and CEO of The Immigrant Education Society (TIES), confirmed that leaders from several newcomer-serving agencies met first thing Friday morning to discuss the potential effects of the referendum. These organizations, which provide essential services to immigrants settling in Alberta, are deeply concerned about how the referendum's messaging and potential policy changes might impact their clients and communities.
The collective response from Calgary's immigration professionals suggests significant apprehension about the referendum's implications, with many viewing it as a politically charged initiative that could have serious negative consequences for Alberta's economy, workforce development, and social harmony.
