Calgary Chamber applauds new provincial tourism & hospitality immigration stream

With 29.1 per cent of tourism and hospitality businesses concerned with labour-related obstacles - higher than most other sectors - the Calgary Chamber commends the Government of Alberta for launching the new Tourism and Hospitality Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. A key recommendation of the Chamber’s 2023 Provincial Platform, ACCELERATE, we are pleased to see support for the tourism and hospitality labour force through immigration, including expanding eligibility to work in Alberta and removing barriers for newcomers seeking employment.

“With tourism and hospitality generating $10.7 billion last year and supporting approximately 80,000 jobs in the province, this new immigration stream will enable the sector to attract and retain the skilled workforce they require, helping boost local businesses and our economy more broadly,” says Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Vice President of Policy and External Affairs at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “This program is welcome news for restaurants, hotels, events, and entertainment, many of which have had a slow recovery post-pandemic and are likely to be impacted by slowed discretionary spending brought on by economic uncertainty.”

We encourage the Government of Alberta to work closely with industry to evaluate the success of the program, and encourage consideration to include part-time and seasonal employment to maximize the impact of the program on businesses with unique offerings, and provide opportunities for newcomers not yet able to work full-time to participate in the labour market. We also encourage an all-of-government approach to immigration and settlement to ensure newcomers have the resources they need to succeed in Alberta, including access to housing, education and social services.

About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce  

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.