The federal government’s loss of control over immigration has led to unsustainable population growth, pressure on public services and cases of abuse by bad actors. In response, Alberta’s government is introducing Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act, which strengthens provincial oversight of employers, foreign worker recruiters and immigration consultants.
“Albertans deserve to know that immigration in Alberta is fair, transparent and addresses the real needs of Alberta’s labour force. This legislation improves accountability and gives the province more control over how the immigration system is used and gives us tools other provinces use to ensure the system is working for Albertans.”
If passed, the Immigration Oversight Act will require employers to register with the province before accessing federal temporary foreign worker programs. It will also establish a licensing system for immigration consultants and foreign worker recruiters, strengthening oversight, reducing fraud and ensuring only legitimate, qualified businesses and consultants are operating in Alberta.
Bill 26 gives Alberta tools already in place in jurisdictions like Saskatchewan and British Columbia. A new employer registry and licensing for recruiters and consultants will:
- Crack down on fraud and exploitation, including fake job offers, illegal fees and misrepresentation.
- Enable faster enforcement through stronger penalties and compliance tools.
- Increase transparency in hiring and better align immigration with Alberta’s labour needs.
"As Chair of the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons, I wholeheartedly support the Government of Alberta and the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration for introducing the Immigration Oversight Act. This vital legislation is an important step to protect newcomers and temporary foreign workers from exploitation and to disrupt labour trafficking in our province. By holding employers, recruiters and consultants accountable, Alberta is sending a clear message that mistreatment of vulnerable people coming here to work will not be tolerated."
The majority of employers, recruiters and immigration consultants follow the rules and support newcomers. Requiring registration and licencing increases transparency, protects vulnerable workers and strengthens confidence in the system.
Alberta’s government is taking action to ensure immigration supports the province’s economy, addresses labour gaps and protects the people who come here to build a better life.
Quick facts
- Immigration is a shared federal-provincial responsibility
- Alberta does not currently have a single, comprehensive framework to oversee employers, recruiters and immigration consultants involved in hiring foreign nationals.
- Prohibited activities include fake job offers, illegal fees and misrepresentation targeting foreign workers.
- The proposed legislation would introduce enforcement measures, including fines, licence suspensions and bans from hiring or recruiting.
- A public registry will allow workers and the public to verify whether employers, recruiters and consultants are authorized to operate in Alberta.