Newcomers, the province is reshaping healthcare delivery just for you.
Big News for Alberta’s Healthcare! Premier Danielle Smith just revealed a plan to split the current Alberta Health Services (AHS) into four parts. The goal? To make healthcare better by reducing wait times, enhancing access to treatments, and hiring more staff. Stay tuned for positive changes!
In simple terms, Alberta’s health care is getting a makeover! Different organizations will now handle specific health services like primary care, acute care, continuing care, and mental health/addiction care. It’s all about making healthcare more organized and accessible for everyone.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR NEWCOMERS?
In 2022, Alberta welcomed almost 50,000 new permanent residents (PRs), making it the fourth-largest destination in Canada for newcomers. Changes in healthcare delivery in the province could affect these newcomers, impacting their access to healthcare and job opportunities. Stay informed about how these reforms may influence the lives of many new Canadians settling in Alberta.
EMPLOYMENT.
Alberta’s health care reform aims to hire more staff, creating job opportunities for newcomers. This is evident in recent Express Entry draws, which now focus on specific skills and work experience rather than just the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. In 2023, the six selected categories prioritize candidates with expertise in:
- French-language proficiency
or work experience in one of the following five industries:
- Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics (STEM)
- Trades
- Transportation
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Healthcare
Healthcare jobs are in high demand in Canada, as seen in the 2023 categories identified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Alberta’s healthcare reforms signal increased opportunities for newcomers to immigrate, work, and live in the province, especially in the thriving healthcare industry.
ALBERTAβs RECENT GROWTH.
Alberta, ranked fourth among top immigrant destinations, is not only attracting newcomers but is also experiencing significant population growth. Recent data from Statistics Canada in a September CTV story reveals that Alberta’s population on July 1 reached 4.7 million, showing a 4.1% increase from the previous year, with 184,400 new residents. Notably, Alberta’s population growth surpasses the national average by 1.1 percentage points, showcasing the province’s exceptional demographic boom.
Alberta’s booming population, largely fueled by international migration, has led to the fastest annual growth in its labor force since 2007, excluding the COVID recovery period. International migration contributes significantly, making up 61% of the total provincial population increase, according to ATB Financial Vice President Mark Parsons. Migration from other parts of Canada, particularly Ontario and British Columbia, accounts for about 31% of the province’s growth, totaling 56,245 people. This influx of people is vital for filling job opportunities in the region.
IMMIGRATING TO ALBERTA.
If you’re a foreign national eyeing Alberta, good news awaits! The province offers pathways for all newcomers, whether you’re a temporary foreign worker or an entrepreneur. Explore the opportunities waiting for you in Alberta.
Consider Alberta’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), known as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). It offers different streams for workers and entrepreneurs, each with unique requirements. Some streams may require a job offer before applying. Explore the options under AAIP for your pathway to Alberta.
FOR WORKERS:
- Alberta Opportunity Streamβ―β A pathway to permanent residence in Alberta for skilled workers already working in an eligible occupation in the province
- Rural Renewal Streamβ―β A pathway for candidates with an existing Alberta-based job offer for work in a rural Alberta community
FOR ENTREPRENEURS:
- Graduate Entrepreneur Streamβ―β A pathway for international graduates of a designated post-secondary institution in Alberta, who wish to start a business in the province
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream β A pathwayβ―for foreign nationals who graduated from an institution outside Canada and want to start a business in Alberta.