OTTAWA – Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, was very pleased to see a new Agreement for Canada-Alberta Cooperation on Immigration signed last week.

“I continue to hear concerns about labour shortages from employers in Alberta,” says Benoit. “This agreement will help Alberta attract immigrants more quickly and ensure Canada’s immigration programs meet both Alberta’s needs and the needs of newcomers.”

The new agreement means:

• Alberta will be able to nominate more immigrants possessing skills needed in the province for quicker processing by the federal government;
• a new pilot project to speed up the entry of certain foreign health-care professionals who have applied to come to Alberta;
• enhanced cooperation between Canada and Alberta in overseas immigration marketing initiatives; and
• a commitment to establishing mechanisms that would make it easier and quicker for Alberta to get the foreign workers it needs to meet its growing labour force demands.
  

The province wanted an agreement which reflects the fact that Alberta represents 10 per cent of Canada’s population and Benoit notes that Premier Ed Stelmach, who signed the agreement on behalf of Alberta, was happy with the deal. “This agreement fulfils my commitment to pursue a made-in-Alberta approach to immigration. It sets out a framework for enhanced federal-provincial immigration cooperation and partnerships, and is a prime example of what can be accomplished by working together,” the Premier stated.

The agreement formalizes and builds on the existing collaborative relationship between Canada and Alberta on immigration matters, including the delivery of settlement and integration services. It also recognizes the importance of involving community stakeholders, including service providers, municipalities and the private sector, in welcoming newcomers.

“In addition to helping the oil and gas industry, the attention to the problem we have with ensuring enough rural doctors is also much appreciated,” concludes Benoit. “Even though it is often due to circumstances outside our country, the process has, at times, been slower than we would like and I know my constituents will welcome improvements to that system.”

For more information: (613) 992-4171 or (780) 763-6130