Alberta Pushes Ottawa: Calls for Immigration Cap at 1% of Population Amid Soaring Growth
Alberta has officially stepped up pressure on Ottawa, urging the federal government to cap immigration levels at 1% of the province’s population per year. The call comes as Alberta experiences unprecedented population growth that is fueling economic expansion but also intensifying housing shortages, straining healthcare, crowding schools, and burdening transportation systems.
The request was formally made by Joseph Schow, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, and aligns with Premier Danielle Smith’s stance that while immigration is vital to Alberta’s prosperity, the current pace of arrivals is unsustainable without stronger federal coordination and investment in infrastructure.
Record Population Growth in Alberta
- Between April 2023 and April 2024, Alberta’s population increased by 204,677 people (4.41%) – the fastest growth rate in Canada.
- The national average during the same period was 3.20%, showing how Alberta’s boom outpaces the rest of the country.
- In the last three years, over 450,000 newcomers (both immigrants and interprovincial migrants) have settled in Alberta.
- Alberta’s preferred level is around 50,000 newcomers per year – a target the province believes would allow infrastructure and services to keep pace.
Premier Smith emphasized:
“It’s not about closing the door—it’s about finding the right balance so Alberta can continue to grow while ensuring families can find homes, access healthcare, and send their kids to schools that aren’t bursting at the seams.”
Housing Crisis at the Forefront
- Calgary and Edmonton have seen rent and home prices skyrocket as demand outpaces supply.
- The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Calgary now sits at $1,800/month — a 12% jump compared to 2024.
- Vacancy rates in Alberta’s major cities have fallen below 2%, making affordable housing increasingly scarce.
- Builders are struggling to keep up, with construction permits lagging far behind population growth.
Housing advocates warn that without federal and provincial cooperation, affordability could deteriorate further, discouraging skilled newcomers from choosing Alberta long-term.
Healthcare Facing Shortages
- Alberta’s healthcare system is experiencing serious workforce gaps.
- The province projects a need for over 4,000 additional nurses and medical staff by 2033 to meet growing demand.
- Emergency room wait times have lengthened, and rural communities face difficulty retaining doctors.
- Immigration contributes essential healthcare workers, but the volume of newcomers is adding stress to already stretched facilities.
Overcrowded Schools
- Alberta schools are operating at 120% capacity in several urban districts.
- Rapid population growth has led to larger class sizes, temporary classrooms, and increased pressure on teachers.
- The provincial government says that more funding and infrastructure investment from Ottawa is critical to match educational needs with rising enrolment.
Transit and Infrastructure Strain
- Calgary’s CTrain and Edmonton’s LRT systems have seen 10% growth in ridership since 2023, adding pressure to already aging infrastructure.
- Roads and highways face increasing congestion as the commuter population grows.
- Municipal leaders are calling for federal funding to expand transit and road networks in line with immigration-fueled growth.
Immigration’s Economic Benefits
Despite the challenges, Alberta acknowledges that immigration remains a key driver of economic growth:
- Alberta recorded a 2.8% GDP growth in 2024, higher than the national average.
- Newcomers are filling critical roles in healthcare, trades, and technology.
- Immigration is helping offset Alberta’s aging population and labour shortages.
However, Premier Smith insists that growth must be managed carefully:
“Alberta values immigration — it fuels our economy and builds our communities. But when growth outpaces our infrastructure, everyone feels the strain. We need Ottawa to listen.”
What Happens Next?
The federal government, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, has not yet issued a direct response to Alberta’s demand. Ottawa has set ambitious immigration targets nationwide, with Canada aiming to welcome 485,000 newcomers in 2025 and 500,000 by 2026.
Alberta’s proposal for a 1% population-based cap could set the stage for intense federal-provincial negotiations over immigration powers, especially as other provinces like Ontario and Quebec also demand more autonomy.
The debate highlights a growing national challenge:
- How can Canada balance record-high immigration with housing, healthcare, and infrastructure capacity?
Key Takeaway: Alberta isn’t rejecting immigration — it’s demanding a sustainable pace that balances population growth with resources, ensuring newcomers and residents alike can thrive.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
