The pharmacy owned by Ebenezer Asare in Brooks faced a staffing crisis when three pharmacists left for opportunities in bigger cities like Calgary. To cope, Asare had to hire locums at a higher cost to maintain operations. Fortunately, the City of Brooks had a unique program in place to address such challenges.
Since 2022, Brooks, a city in southern Alberta with a population of around 18,000, has collaborated with the provincial government to gain more control over immigration matters. Through this initiative, the city issues targeted endorsement letters to support local businesses in need of skilled workers.
Despite initial hurdles, the program proved successful for Asare. He managed to recruit nine pharmacists from overseas, assist many in obtaining permanent residency through the endorsement letters, and facilitate their training and certification. The positive outcomes led him to expand his business by opening a second pharmacy in Medicine Hat.
The upcoming fall referendum in Alberta will include a vote on whether the province should have increased authority over immigration matters, which are typically under federal jurisdiction. The program in Brooks, known as the rural renewal stream, represents one way Alberta currently focuses on immigration by involving local decision-making.
The changing landscape of Canada’s immigration system, particularly in response to post-pandemic labor shortages, has seen a shift towards attracting immigrants with specific skills to meet industry demands. Alberta, too, has adjusted its approach by targeting key sectors such as tourism and rural economies.
The success of Brooks’ program in attracting and retaining workers has prompted other communities to adopt similar initiatives. While local control offers advantages in addressing immediate needs, experts warn of potential pitfalls such as short-term thinking and increased uncertainty for prospective immigrants.
As communities navigate the complexities of immigration policies, the balance between short-term needs and long-term planning remains crucial. While local involvement can enhance responsiveness to local needs, a cohesive and sustainable approach is essential for the overall success of immigration programs.
