Plan to accept newcomer parents and grandparents will strain health services, Alberta warns

CBC

24-07-2025

Alberta's immigration minister says he's concerned about the federal government's plan this year to accept thousands of parents and grandparents of immigrants already in Canada.
Joseph Schow responded Tuesday to a federal notice that Ottawa plans to take in 10,000 applications from those who have previously expressed interest in sponsoring family members.
Schow took issue with the 10,000 figure.
In a statement, Schow said provincial health-care systems, housing and social services don't have the capacity and could be overwhelmed.
Federal Immigration Minister Lena Diab's office said the federal government's actual countrywide target for approvals this year for the parent and grandparent immigration stream is higher at 24,500.
Diab's office said Schow was responding to a notice that the ministry is preparing to take in 10,000 applications for consideration from already settled immigrants who expressed interest in 2020 in sponsoring their parents or grandparents.
"Family reunification is an important part of Canada's immigration system, helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them in Canada," a spokesperson for Diab said in an email, adding that the federal government is committed to reuniting as many families as possible.
"Opening intake for 10,000 applications will help us meet this commitment and will not increase the target."
Schow's office said it was under the impression the 10,000 was the 2025 target, and his concern remains the same.
'Disproportionate strain'
Schow said in the Tuesday statement that he understands "the importance of family reunification, [but] inviting large numbers of parents and grandparents into the country without proper co-ordination with provinces places disproportionate strain on already busy health systems."
"This creates serious concerns for both Albertans and the newcomers themselves, who may not receive timely care if our system is overwhelmed."
The minister didn't directly answer questions about whether he wants to see the parent and grandparent target reduced or eliminated. In an email, he said the "root issue" is the federal government setting immigration targets without provincial input.
"The more direct concern with this program is its impact on health care," Schow added.
"Seniors are more likely to require medical and long-term care, and bringing in thousands more without additional supports increases pressure on a system already managing high demand."
Diab's office said since parents and grandparents accepted under the program require a sponsor to financially support them, it doesn't put any excessive burden on provincial services.
"Family reunification not only leads to social and cultural benefits but also economic benefits," said the spokesperson.
"Those coming through this program are often supporting the household in Canada, including by providing childcare. This helps parents enter the workforce and strengthen Canada's economy."
Schow said Alberta's government wants overall immigration reduced to below 500,000 per year, and that provinces need to "have a stronger role in selecting newcomers to meet local needs."
Under targets set last fall, Ottawa is aiming to approve just over one million immigration applications this year, including temporary residents on work visas, international students, refugees and new permanent residents like parents and grandparents of newcomers.
On Wednesday, premiers from across Canada called on the federal government to engage more with provincial governments on immigration targets and increase the share of economic immigrants each province is allocated under the provincial and territorial nominee program.
The joint federally and provincially run program works to fast track the permanent residency process for workers in sought after sectors. For Alberta, that includes health care, technology and law enforcement.
"Provinces and territories are best positioned to understand their local labour market needs and call on the federal government to support their respective priorities," reads a joint statement from premiers following their three-day meeting in Ontario.
'Punching down on immigrants'
Schow's comments also come as a panel chaired by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is touring the province to hear from citizens on a number of topics, including whether Alberta should create its own immigration permitting system and block non-approved newcomers from accessing services like health care.
At the panel's most recent town hall in Edmonton, a member of the public accused Smith of "punching down on immigrants."
Smith said the province is trying to find solutions to housing affordability, hospital capacity, classroom sizes and "increasing pressure on our social programs."
"There has to be a reasonable amount of newcomers that are able to come here, fit into the economy, be able to be self-supporting," Smith told the audience.
"That is, I think, a bit high at the moment."