An international expert on immigration has voiced concern that Alberta's government may be "weaponizing immigration to win votes." The accusation stems from controversial remarks by Bruce McAllister, executive director for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office. McAllister publicly criticized Canada's immigration policies, calling "unsustainable mass immigration" a source of "profound disgust" and questioning the intake from nations with "failed systems" versus those with "Judeo-Christian heritage and principles."
Experts argue that cities like Edmonton and Calgary thrive on diversity, which fuels innovation and creativity. They point to communities like Brooks as examples of successful integration where economic growth and cultural harmony coexist.
Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged immigration as a topic for her province-wide address, while also defending McAllister's views by stating Western society is built on Judeo-Christian tradition. She emphasized that Alberta's success historically relies on newcomers arriving with jobs and support systems for integration, suggesting a need for a controlled pace of immigration.
Previous discussions by Smith's "Alberta Next" panel proposed increased provincial control over immigration and withholding social programs from non-citizens without an "Alberta-approved immigration status," citing pressure on social services, job markets, and housing.
Economists note that while immigration numbers have peaked and are falling, the focus should be on selecting immigrants who contribute economically, such as skilled trades. They also condemn McAllister's comments for valuing one culture over another, stating it contradicts Canadian values of fairness and equality.
