ALBERTA – January 16, 2024 – The Business Council of Alberta (BCA) has released its latest report, From Promise to Practice: Improving Immigrant Success to Drive Prosperity in Alberta, which underscores the role of immigration in bolstering the province’s economic growth, workforce development, and community prosperity. The report identifies two key opportunities in Alberta’s role in immigration: specifically improving the recognition of foreign credentials and enhancing the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
“While most of immigration policy is set at the federal level, there are actions that both the provincial government and regulatory bodies can take to deliver the promise of immigration for more newcomers, and Alberta,” said, Adam Legge, President of the Business Council of Alberta.
“One key opportunity: we’ve all met far too many new Canadians who have come here with great skills they have been unable to put to use. It’s a human injustice and an economic loss. This report contains practical solutions – like faster timelines, better credentials recognition, and reducing redundant barriers – to significantly improve people’s ability to put their skills to use in our economy.” says Legge.
Key findings from the report
Enhancing the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): The AAIP has proven successful but can evolve to maximize its impact. Key recommendations:
- Setting clearer objectives and refining selection criteria to focus on improving economic outcomes.
- Increasing the weight of economic factors, such as earning potential in the points system.
- Reducing biases against those in non-regulated professions and removing criteria with limited economic relevance.
- Simplifying the range of niche programs to improve navigation for newcomers and administration for government.
Accelerating Foreign Credential Recognition: Newcomers often face complex credential recognition processes, hindering their ability to contribute fully to the workforce. Key recommendations:
- Coordinating with the federal government to provide pre-arrival information for those planning to settle in Alberta.
- Removing regulatory bodies’ ability to require Canadian experience or redundant language testing for internationally trained individuals.
- Amending the Fair Registration Practices Act to include maximum timelines for regulatory bodies to provide a final assessment and a mediation pathway, if needed.
- Launching an international credentials comparison initiative to evaluate credentials from the top ten source countries of newcomers to Alberta against provincial requirements.
“As an immigrant who navigated the complexities of transferring credentials to obtain my Canadian professional engineering license, I’ve experienced firsthand how these barriers can limit opportunities for individuals and impact businesses. At Rotaflow, I’ve seen how delays in recognizing foreign qualifications hinder skilled newcomers from contributing fully to our workforce. By addressing these challenges, Alberta has the opportunity to unleash the potential of talented professionals, strengthen its industries, and position itself as a leader in building a globally competitive and prosperous economy,” – Amir Shami, President & CEO, Rotaflow Group of Companies.
“At Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, we see firsthand how effective immigration policies transform lives. Enhancing Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is crucial for immigrant success and provincial growth. By strengthening and improving labour market integration, leveraging technology, and increasing accessibility, we can empower newcomers to fully contribute their skills and expertise. Recognizing newcomer’s credentials isn’t just fair—it’s a catalyst for innovation and economic advancement. When we unlock this potential, we strengthen our entire community. By aligning policies with the needs of both newcomers and the province, Alberta can become a true leader in driving economic growth and social inclusion through immigration,” – Paula Calderon, CEO, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
Why this matters
By optimizing the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) and advancing foreign credential recognition, Alberta can strengthen its role as a leader in immigration and workforce integration, driving greater prosperity for all Albertans while positioning the province as a top destination for global talent.
-30-
About the Business Council of Alberta. The Business Council of Alberta is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to building a better Alberta within a more dynamic Canada. Composed of the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of the province’s largest enterprises, Council members are proud to represent the majority of Alberta’s private sector investment, job creation, exports, and research and development. The Council is committed to working with leaders and stakeholders across Alberta and Canada in proposing bold and innovative public policy solutions and initiatives that will make life better for Albertans.