Alberta has requested the Federal Government to boost its provincial nominee program allocations, allowing more workers to gain permanent citizenship. The current quota for 2024 is 9,750, a reduction from 10,140. Premier Danielle Smith states this could impact Alberta’s economy and aid to Ukrainian refugees. Employment in Alberta rose to 2.5 million in February 2024, a 4.1% year-over-year increase. Over 57,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Alberta since 2022. Notably, labour shortages are present in construction technology, healthcare, and education. Smith has requested an increase to 20,000 allotments annually for 2024-2026 and an additional 10,000 for Ukrainian evacuees.
