The hidden tension at Canada’s latest newcomer fair

The newcomer fair in Calgary. (CTV News)

Hundreds of people attended a newcomer fair in Calgary this week looking for jobs, housing information and settlement services. But behind the optimism and opportunities on display was another conversation about Alberta’s referendum questions on immigration, and what it could mean for those hoping to build a life in Canada.

“That will have a negative impact on the harmony of society,” said Sally Zhao, chief executive officer of The Immigrant Education Society in Calgary. “They’re not going to have a sense of belonging. If you don’t have a sense of belonging, how can you be motivated to give back to society?”

Five questions on Alberta’s referendum ballot deal with immigration. If approved by voters, the measures would give Premier Danielle Smith’s government a mandate to seek greater provincial control over immigration.

The proposals would also allow the government to pursue legislation restricting access to provincially funded programs such as health care and education to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people with an Alberta-approved immigration status, while charging certain temporary residents premiums or fees to access those systems.

Among those attending the fair was Ishrek Mollah, who arrived in Canada from India four years ago as an international student. He studied business administration at Memorial University of Newfoundland and now holds a work permit.

Recently laid off, Mollah attended the fair looking for opportunities in accounting, finance and banking.

“The job market is tough, not just for me, but for all graduates, for everyone,” he said.

Despite the setback, Mollah said he hopes to build his future in Canada.

“I’ve integrated myself into this society. I’ve made a lot of contacts, and I’ve seen a lot of people succeed. I want to be one of them.”

Mollah said many newcomers arrive in Canada with little support and worry the proposed changes could make settling here more difficult.

“You’re here completely on your own,” he said. “We all need the government’s help. If the government does not support us, then who will?”

Another attendee, Januarious Uketui, who immigrated from Nigeria and now has permanent residency, said limiting supports for newcomers who are legally in Canada would be harmful.

“If you’re a newcomer and you’re legally here, I think it’s good for them to provide these kinds of supports because it integrates you into the system,” he said. “It’s going to be damaging.”

Smith has blamed former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s immigration policies for Alberta’s recent population surge, saying Ottawa accepted too many newcomers without in-demand skills and describing federal policies as “absolutely unsustainable.”

Government data shows immigration to Alberta peaked in 2023 and has since returned to more typical levels. Earlier in 2024, Smith called for an aggressive plan to double Alberta’s population and encouraged more people to move to the province.

Zhao said Alberta’s rapid population growth has placed real pressures on settlement organizations.

“Our language program funded by the federal government — we have more than 2,000 students on the waiting list, and we are serving more than 2,000 students on a daily basis,” she said.

At the same time, she said it is unfair to place blame for broader societal challenges solely on newcomers.

“Any issue in society is very complicated,” Zhao said. “It’s unfair to only blame newcomers and put everything on newcomers. Newcomers are here because we welcomed them here.”

With files from CTV News’ Jeremy Thompson and Hannah Lapine