“When you have connections into the country into the province that you’re moving into, that social support does make a difference in helping people settle on a more stable basis,” Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Rajan Sawhney said, noting close relatives are defined as parents, children or siblings.
Construction was one of the in-demand sectors included in the program, along with health care, technology and engineering. Scott Crockatt, the vice-president of communications with the Business Council of Alberta, said immigrants and newcomers bring an infusion of skills and add value to the province’s economy.“We need that right now, because Alberta’s economy is white hot at the moment and our labour market is facing severe shortages,” Crockatt said.