Alberta welcomed migrant workers. Now, it wants to restrict their rights
Alberta is facing a political shift as it considers restricting access to social services for migrant workers despite relying on them to fill labor shortages. The move has sparked debate over the province's treatment of newcomers and its relationship with the rest of Canada.
Why it matters
This illustrates the growing friction between economic reliance on immigration and rising nativist political sentiments in regional Canadian politics.
Albertans take part in a pro-Canada Rally, at the provincial legislature ahead of a non-binding referendum on Alberta sovereignty, in Edmonton on 18 October. Albertans take part in a pro-Canada Rally, at the provincial legislature ahead of a non-binding referendum on Alberta sovereignty, in Edmonton on 18 October. Canada Alberta welcomed migrant workers. Now, it wants to restrict their rights ‘Scapegoating non-permanent residents is not going to lower the cost of living,’ Vanesa Ortiz says
Prefer the Guardian on Google When Vanesa Ortiz came to Calgary from Mexico , she found herself in a city gripped by winter. Outside the airport, it was -15C (5F).
“I would come to understand that this was not an extreme cold,” she said. “But in the moment it was terrifying.
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