SASKATOON, Sask. — Ottawa is ready to hear and discuss what other jurisdictions in the country can bring when it comes to Canada’s immigration system, according to Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger.
Belanger, when asked after Albertans voted in favour of their provincial government having greater control over immigration, emphasized that a united Canada means clarifying and respecting the roles and responsibilities of provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments.
Last week, almost 55 per cent of Albertans supported Question 1: Do you support the Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration to reduce immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritize economic migration and give Albertans priority on new employment opportunities? Of the 2,058,095 total votes, 1,129,353 voted yes and 928,742 voted no.
“As we move forward to build this confederation called Canada, understanding the roles and responsibilities between partners — provincial, territorial, or Indigenous governments — we have to sit down and build a plan that not only unifies the country, but strengthens each other's roles,” he added.
Belanger also called for collaboration among these partners to develop a plan that unifies the country while strengthening each government's respective role to improve Canada’s immigration system.
The Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River MP said he is confident that Prime Minister Mark Carney shares many values with provincial and territorial governments, including Saskatchewan, and noted that discussions among these partners are ongoing.
“So, I think it's important to note that as we sit with many provinces, Saskatchewan included, I have great confidence that our Prime Minister at that table shares a lot of the values of the partner provinces and territories. So, these discussions are ongoing,” said Belanger.
Premier Scott Moe also supported giving provinces more control over Canada’s immigration system, emphasizing economic immigration that benefits not only newcomers and their families but also local communities and the broader economy.
Since 2022, Saskatchewan has sought greater autonomy over immigration and has even proposed an immigration accord. The premier said this detailed proposal would give the provincial government Quebec-style control over immigration policy.
Belanger also celebrated Alberta's support for Canada after 74.9 per cent of voters, or 1,552,251, chose to remain part of the country, against 519,235 who opted to hold a referendum on leaving the federation and becoming an independent country.
He expressed satisfaction and gratitude that Albertans voted overwhelmingly to remain part of Canada and called the result worth celebrating. Having lived and attended school in Alberta, he said he felt personally connected to the province and was humbled by the outcome.
“I was very humbled by the result in Alberta. I lived in Alberta for three years. I went to school there when I was younger and made friends there. Throughout this conversation, we are certainly very pleased that Albertans chose to remain in Canada by such an impressive margin,” said Belanger.
