A representative from a union at a beef processing plant near Calgary is raising concerns about potential labor shortages if proposed changes to immigration policies, narrowly approved in Alberta’s recent referendum, are implemented.
Faduma Ahmed, from the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 at Cargill’s High River abattoir, highlighted the challenging nature of the jobs at the plant, emphasizing the limited pool of candidates available to fill these roles.
In the referendum, which saw 98% of polling stations reporting, a slight majority voted in favor of restricting access to provincial services based on immigration status or imposing fees for them. Premier Danielle Smith’s government argued that supporting temporary residents in Alberta incurs a yearly cost of $1 billion, straining affordability and services due to an influx of newcomers.
Critics caution that the referendum outcome could make Alberta less appealing to prospective residents at a time when job vacancies need to be filled urgently.
Ahmed noted the diverse workforce at the Cargill facility, where temporary foreign workers, refugees, permanent residents, and citizens from various countries work together and contribute through taxes. She highlighted the physically demanding nature of the job, with workers often tasked with lifting heavy carcasses.
The union representative expressed concerns raised by workers about their ability to afford healthcare and education for their families, emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining the economy amid similar financial challenges faced by all Albertans.
If the proposed changes become law, Ahmed stated that the union would staunchly advocate for immigrant workers to retain existing services, potentially negotiating with employers to cover any gaps in funding.
Another sector heavily reliant on immigration is senior healthcare, where non-profits employing 22,000 staff in Alberta face challenges in filling roles that may not attract domestic applicants, according to Leah Lechelt, executive director of the Christian Health Association of Alberta.
Lechelt mentioned the workforce’s diverse origins and the critical roles they play in patient care, with regulations typically limiting such positions to permanent residents and citizens. She highlighted the appeal of these roles to newcomers, offering opportunities for career advancement and skill development, such as through apprenticeship programs.
The referendum included a proposal for Alberta to have more control over immigration decisions, a concept supported by the Business Council of Alberta, as per president Adam Legge. The aim is to align immigration policies more closely with the province’s needs, addressing potential mismatches in skills and geographic distribution from federal decisions.
Notably, there is a significant demand for skilled trades workers like mechanics, welders, and electricians in Alberta, underscoring the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the province.
Research by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, commissioned by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, revealed that immigrants made substantial contributions to Alberta’s economy through personal income taxes in 2026. Younger immigrants also showed a positive fiscal impact after accounting for family programs, workers’ compensation, and social assistance costs.
