By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Encouraging Rural Settlement

Province introduces two new rural immigration streams

Feb 16, 2022 | 3:54 PM

The Alberta Government is taking steps to ensure skilled labourers from abroad can join rural communities.

Premier Jason Kenney announced the launch of the Rural Renewal Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.

He says these new immigration pathways will encourage skilled and talented professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world to settle in small communities in the province.

“One of the biggest challenges facing rural communities is population decline, which has caused a succession crisis when a retiring business owner cannot find an interested buyer. We are helping revitalize rural Alberta by removing barriers and setting the building blocks to welcome job-creating immigration to local communities and supporting economic growth throughout the province.”

At the inaugural Premier’s Summit in Fairness for Newcomers, Kenney said many rural areas have been struggling to find qualified professionals who can meet their current and future workforce needs.

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A press release from the Alberta Government states that the Rural Renewal Stream uses a community-driven approach to support local economic development needs and contributes to the growth of the community.

To be eligible for the Rural Renewal Stream, communities must:

• Have a community population of less than 100,000 and be outside Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas
• Be represented by an economic development or similar organization with a primary function in economic development
• Have an economic development plan
• Have expressed support from the town/municipality council and a local/regional settlement providing organization
• Have local employers with permanent, full-time, non-seasonal work available.

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is meant for immigrants who want to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community.

“We need to make our province the destination of choice for skilled newcomers and entrepreneurs,” says Labour and Immigration Minister Tyler Shandro. “Identifying ways to encourage more skilled newcomers to come to Alberta is the first step to increasing our competitiveness, growing our economy and restoring the Alberta Advantage.”

NDP Labour Critic Christina Gray issued the following statement:

“Today the Premier announced two immigration streams aiming to help rural communities attract newcomers. Undoubtedly the last few years have been very difficult for rural Albertans. The COVID-19 pandemic has left communities isolated, damaged their economies, and the UCP’s war on doctors has left many rural communities’ health care systems short staffed and overwhelmed.

“The government should provide support for these communities to ensure they have programs in place for newcomers, otherwise those relocating may struggle to be successful.

“These new streams will not be enough to help communities set newcomers up for success.”

You can find more details on each program in the links for the Rural Renewal Stream and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.