Alberta comments on Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2015

“We applaud our federal counterparts on these latest efforts to improve Canada’s immigration system for current and future generations.

"Today’s federal announcement is reflective of our on-going efforts to address Alberta’s workforce needs. We are pleased to see an increase to the provincial nominee program nationally. This is a first step as we continue to work with the federal government toward a greater increase to the provincial nominee program, which has been very effective in meeting Alberta’s unique needs across all skill levels.

"Given that Canada is expected to approve between 260,000 and 285,000 individuals to come to Canada as permanent residents in 2015, we are very pleased to see an increase in overall immigration levels and a greater emphasis on increasing economic immigration. This will help address Alberta and Canada’s need for more workers to complement our existing labour force, understanding full well that Alberta’s position has always been that Canadians have the first opportunity at available jobs.

"Alberta’s economy is strong, and our labour market is unique. Unemployment is below five per cent. So, it’s no surprise that in 2013, more than 100,000 newcomers made the decision to call Alberta home.

"Despite this, we still have an expected labour shortage of almost 96,000 workers in the next decade. The need for labour in Alberta is clear. The simple reality is that we have jobs without workers and workers without jobs. Our challenge is in finding permanent workers to fill permanent positions across the province.

"Alberta remains committed to working with the federal government and we will continue to improve the level of collaboration on a variety of labour force strategies, including immigration, that respond to Alberta’s market demands.”