A new immigration pathway aims to bring more qualified law enforcement personnel to Alberta. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

Alberta creating immigration pathway for law enforcement

Jun 25, 2024 | 2:46 PM

The Government of Alberta has announced a new step that it hopes will address recruitment challenges for law enforcement.

It has created a new pathway within the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) for law enforcement personnel to come to the province.

Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) President Mark Neufeld says it has become more and more difficult to attract qualified candidates for policing positions.

“Expanding the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program to include police officers helps our province’s law enforcement agencies attract experienced and skilled officers from abroad to meet hiring demands, while enhancing the overall safety and security of our communities,” says Neufeld.

Occupations that qualify for AAIP nominations include:

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• Commissioned and non-commissioned police officers and related positions in public protection services
• Police investigators
• Other specialized law enforcement occupations

Eligible employers for law enforcement nominations must be members of the AACP. Invited applicants must have a job offer from an AACP member and meet all other Express Entry criteria.

The AAIP is an economic immigration program that allows the province to nominate people for permanent residence.

There is a limit to how many people can be admitted under the program, which is set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

For 2024, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen says a total of 50 nominations have been allocated to help boost police staffing across Alberta.

“Newcomers bring essential skills and unique perspectives that address Alberta’s labour shortages and enrich our communities. By creating a new AAIP pathway for law enforcement, we’re supporting police services in meeting recruitment goals and enhancing public safety,” says Yaseen.

More details on the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program are available on the Government of Alberta website.