Role of the Alberta Government

Government

There are three levels of government in Canada: federal, provincial and local or municipal. Canada is a federation in which powers and responsibilities are divided between federal, territorial and provincial governments. For example, the federal government is responsible for areas such as defense, foreign policy, and citizenship. Provincial or territorial government responsibilities include education, health care, licensing drivers and motor vehicles and regulating professions and trades. Local or municipal governments are responsible for public transportation, fire services and utilities such as water and sewer services.

Under the Canadian Constitution, immigration is an area of shared federal and provincial responsibility with the federal government holding the lead role. The federal government has exclusive responsibility for determining who is admitted to Canada and the number of immigrants coming to Canada, as well as supporting government-sponsored refugees. All potential immigrants must be assessed by the federal government for eligibility and admissibility under the federal laws.

Alberta shares responsibility with the federal government for the settlement and integration of immigrants. When newcomers arrive in Alberta, a number of government departments work in partnership with municipalities and community organizations to ensure services are available. Services of particular importance to immigrants include language training, settlement services and educational, credential and skills recognition.

Through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP), Alberta is able to nominate prospective immigrants to the federal government for permanent residence. The province also markets itself as a destination for prospective immigrants.

Date Updated: Nov 01, 2007
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