In spite of the economic downturn and major job losses that have hit Alberta this year, many Albertans are calling for more immigration, said federal immigration Minister John McCallum at a press conference in Calgary on Friday. The consultations highlighted a particular need for more immigration to rural Alberta, where employers in hospitality, meat packing and agriculture find it difficult to find workers, McCallum said. Even though the greatest need is for immigration to small towns and rural areas, that’s not where they choose to go, McCallum added. “If small towns across the country need immigrants, its partly up to the individual companies from those areas to develop mechanisms to welcome them and retain them,” McCallum said. “Canada of course is an extremely welcoming country, and my record as Immigration Minister reflects that,” Kenney said in a statement.

Source: National Post August 20, 2016 19:52 UTC