Alberta's New Immigration Oversight Act

0:00Alberta is pushing hard for more say in immigration with a new bill dropped this week. Jobs Minister Joseph Show, Table Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act for 2026. If it passes, employers got a register with the province before tapping into federal temporary foreign worker programs. It's all about creating a public list, so folks can check who's legit for hiring overseas talent. They're also setting up a licensing system right here in Alberta for immigration consultants and foreign worker recruiters. Right now, consultants need federal college membership and recruiters already have provincial licenses, but this tightens the rules, province-wide. Officials say it'll help people spot approved employers and avoid shady operators. The bill cracks down on scams like fake job postings, selling offers to foreign nationals or charging illegal fees. Penalties could hit with fines, license bans, or even up to 12 months in jail for the worst cases. There's a complaints line, too, for workers or employers getting ripped off.

1:02Show mentioned he's heard too many stories of bosses misleading officials or exploiting newbies. This fits Alberta's bigger play to grab control from Ottawa on immigration stuff. Premier Smith announced referendums for October 19th on questions that could limit social programs for some immigrants. Show says they've leaned too hard on temp workers, stealing entry-level gigs from locals. Many quotas will weigh in through the year, with details on registries and fines coming via regulations. If approved, it kicks in early 2027, aiming to clean up the system for good. That's your update from Canada News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.