The City of Brooks came to the aid of Ebenezer Asare’s pharmacy after experiencing a turnover of three pharmacists within six months due to pharmacists relocating to urban areas like Calgary amid the surge in pharmacist job opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis. Asare had to resort to hiring locums to keep the pharmacy running, incurring extra costs for accommodation and travel. However, Brooks had a program tailored to support such situations.

Since 2022, the city of Brooks, with a population of approximately 18,000, has collaborated with the provincial government to gain more control over immigration decisions. This initiative involves issuing targeted endorsement letters to assist local businesses in need of workers. Despite some challenges, the program proved successful for Asare. He managed to recruit nine overseas pharmacists, secure permanent residency for many through the town’s endorsement letters, and establish a system for their training and recertification, leading him to open a second pharmacy in Medicine Hat.

The upcoming referendum in Alberta will ask residents to vote on granting the province more authority over immigration matters, typically under federal jurisdiction. The Brooks program, known as the rural renewal stream, is part of Alberta’s current immigration strategy, allowing decisions to be made at a more localized level. This approach offers insights into the advantages and disadvantages of decentralizing immigration processes.

In response to the post-pandemic labor shortage, Canada revamped its immigration system by shifting focus towards attracting individuals with specific skills in high-demand sectors. Alberta followed suit by targeting particular categories such as tourism and rural economies through its provincial nominee program, nominating around 6,600 individuals out of the 380,000 permanent residents welcomed to Canada in 2026.

Local economic development officers in Brooks highlighted the city’s efforts to address labor shortages, particularly in essential sectors like the meatpacking industry. Brooks was among the first towns to pioneer a nomination program for permanent residency in collaboration with neighboring towns and the county. The program has expanded across the province, with 4,300 nominations since 2022.

While the program has benefited many communities, some have scaled back due to overwhelming demand and administrative challenges. Some towns limited endorsements to skilled trades or professionals, established living wage requirements, and implemented measures to combat fraud. Despite the mixed outcomes, the program has helped businesses retain workers, particularly those on temporary permits, emphasizing the value of local input in immigration decisions.

Asayesh, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Calgary specializing in immigration policy, highlighted the advantages and drawbacks of local control over immigration. While local authorities can respond promptly to changing needs, shifting focus to immediate labor demands may hinder long-term planning for immigrants and increase uncertainty. Asayesh emphasized the importance of a sustainable immigration strategy to ensure long-term benefits and minimize potential negative impacts.

The upcoming Alberta referendum on immigration control is not merely a neutral query but a political statement reflecting public sentiment on immigration levels. Asayesh expressed concerns about the potential politicization of the issue and its implications on anti-immigration sentiments. He underscored the importance of a well-thought-out, long-term immigration plan to ensure the future prosperity of Canada.