Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador are joining Alberta in pushing the federal government for greater control over immigration, arguing that provinces should have more authority to select newcomers who can fill labour shortages and support their economies.
The calls follow Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum, in which roughly 55 percent of voters supported giving the province greater control over immigration, including the ability to determine how many newcomers it accepts.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said on Oct. 22 that provinces should have most say over immigration priorities, numbers, and refugee policies. He added that Saskatchewan has sought greater autonomy over immigration since 2022 and has proposed an immigration accord that would give it powers similar to Quebec’s….