Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s plan to relocate tens of thousands of asylum claimants to the province, citing concerns over a lack of financial support and the strain on public services.In a statement issued on Thursday, Smith criticized the federal government's approach, saying, “Alberta’s government is opposed to the federal government’s plan to relocate tens of thousands of asylum claimants to Alberta, especially without any financial assistance to support the province in doing so.”Smith emphasized that while Alberta has historically welcomed newcomers, the province is already dealing with an unprecedented population influx. “Last year alone, an all-time record of over 200,000 people moved to Alberta. That’s like adding two new Red Deer-sized cities in just one year,” she noted.She also pointed out that Alberta, which makes up only 11.8% of Canada’s population, is currently supporting around 22% of Ukrainian evacuees who arrived in Canada. Smith argued that federal immigration policies, which have allowed over a million newcomers into Canada each year, are overwhelming Alberta’s resources.“Excessive levels of immigration to this province are increasing the cost of living and straining public services for everyone,” Smith said, adding that the province cannot afford to take in additional asylum seekers under the current circumstances.Citing the constitution, Smith argued that immigration is a shared responsibility between provincial and federal governments, and Alberta must be consulted before any further relocations are planned. Until further notice, she stated, Alberta is "not open" to additional asylum seekers.“We simply cannot afford it,” Smith concluded.
