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By Chris Brown

Provincial programs aimed at helping newcomers and rural communities

Oct 8, 2022 | 3:00 PM

Alberta’s government is hoping two immigration streams will help set up newcomers to the province and rural communities for success.

The Rural Renewal Stream attracts skilled newcomers to rural communities to support local labour needs. The Rural Entrepreneur Stream focuses on attracting newcomer entrepreneurs to create jobs and support the local economy.

In our area, Brooks and Taber are participating in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. Brooks, Bassano, Duchess, County of Newell, Rosemary, Taber, Municipal District of Taber and Vauxhall are the nearby communities newly designated for the Rural Renewal Stream.

“Rural Alberta provides a unique opportunity to leverage needed skills and talent newcomers and entrepreneurs hold, benefiting local economies and supporting community diversity,” says Paul McLauchlin, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta, in a news release. “As communities experience ongoing challenges in accessing a talented and innovative workforce, designated rural immigration streams are a great step in promoting the vast opportunities that exist by living and working in Alberta’s rural areas.”

Communities with a population under 100,000 people are welcome to apply to become a designated community. To become designated, rural communities must show that they have sufficient economic need and supports available to attract and build long-term relationships with newcomers. To date, 22 communities have been designated to participate in the Rural Renewal Stream and 37 communities are qualified for the Rural Entrepreneurial Stream.

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