Alberta is calling on the federal government to adopt more realistic immigration policies following Ottawa’s decision to invite 10,000 new applications for parent and grandparent sponsorships.In a statement issued Tuesday, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow said the move adds further pressure to already strained provincial services such as health care, education, housing and social supports.“Alberta’s government is deeply concerned,” Schow said. “Under the federal Liberal government, Canada’s immigration levels have ballooned — almost two million newcomers entered Canada last year alone — without any regard for the provinces that are tasked with delivering frontline services.”.He warned that bringing more elderly immigrants into Canada without consulting the provinces would disproportionately burden health-care systems and risk leaving both residents and newcomers without timely care.“While we respect the importance of family reunification,” said Schow, “inviting large numbers of parents and grandparents into the country without proper coordination with provinces places disproportionate strain on already busy health systems.”Schow said Alberta welcomes immigration and values the contributions of newcomers, but stressed that federal targets must align with provincial capacity..He urged Ottawa to cut annual immigration to below 500,000 and to give provinces more influence in setting those targets.“Our systems need time to catch up before more pressure is added,” he said.
