Alberta’s diversity is its greatest strength.

For Rachel Notley, that’s no platitude. By helping families, inclusive policies and community conversations, Notley is taking aim at barriers facing newcomers to Alberta.

Since 2015, Notley has taken steps to level the playing field for all families. By introducing policies like the Alberta Child Benefit, she helped reduce child poverty by 50 per cent. She stabilized health care and education, while ensuring Alberta workers no longer have to work for the lowest wages in Canada.

But she is also working to make life better for newcomers to Alberta.

“This is our Alberta, and it belongs to each and every single one of us,” Notley said. “We can’t stop until we build a future for ourselves, our families and our communities.”

Notley steps up for newcomers

Alberta has long been a destination for people hoping to work hard and build a better life. But without a government fighting to make it easier, it’s often difficult for immigrants to get ahead.

Notley has supported new Filipino language and cultural curriculum, one of 28 languages that will be available for study in Alberta. Notley’s team is spearheading a new anti-racism initiative to partner with organizations and leaders to tackle racism and discrimination. Discussions have already led to the creation of a Foreign Qualification Recognition Fund, which will help regulatory bodies to measure skills and experience, not just credentials.

Alberta’s diversity is its greatest strength. For Rachel Notley, that’s no platitude.

Through the Immigrant Entrepreneur Program, training and resources are being used to help newcomers start a small business. Career mentorship programs have been expanded to smaller centres outside of Calgary and Edmonton, helping immigrants find good jobs.

Another win has been reforms to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program, simplified last year to clear up a backlog of workers seeking permanent residency to fill job shortages. By reducing wait times and removing an income threshold requirement, Alberta made the system fairer for everyone.

Kenney sending mixed signals

While Jason Kenney is hoping to campaign on immigration, he has a long history of sending mixed signals.

In Ottawa, Kenney dubbed himself “minister of curry in a hurry” for his penchant of attending cultural events. Yet he often touted policies that undermined the communities he visited for photo ops and defended blatant party practices like the “barbaric cultural practices” hotline.

As gatekeeper for immigrants, Kenney also allowed wealthy people to pay their way to jump the queue to come to Canada, even while he forced families to wait years to be reunited. He expanded the Temporary Foreign Worker program so companies could pay workers less, yet prevented newcomers from staying in Canada. Kenney cut health care for refugees, a decision deemed “cruel and unusual” by the Federal Court.

Kenney’s UCP party continues to send mixed signals. While Kenney talks about bringing immigrants to rural communities, he also plans to fast track those who can afford it. And despite the regular photo ops, he’s been dogged by racist views within his own party.

Notley believes that Alberta’s diversity needs to be more than a platitude.

“We need to open our doors to new Albertans, who make this province stronger and better,” Notley said. “That means always putting people first.”