Alberta immigrants are reporting a sharp rise in racist narratives and open hostility in 2025, with many newcomers facing harassment, anxiety, and panic attacks. This troubling trend comes as Alberta’s government, led by Premier Danielle Smith, holds public panels on immigration and updates key policies, sparking debate and concern across the province.
Rising Hostility and Its Impact
Immigrants in Alberta say they are hearing more racial slurs and derogatory comments in public, especially in downtown areas and outside immigrant support centers. Some newcomers, particularly women who wear hijabs, have been aggressively harassed. These incidents have led to severe anxiety and panic attacks for many, making daily life more stressful and frightening.
Staff at immigrant-serving organizations, especially those from racialized backgrounds, are also facing more harassment. As a result, these organizations have taken steps to protect both their clients and employees. For example, Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers has increased building security, reduced its online program marketing to avoid attracting hostility, and expanded its crisis hotline to help those facing racial hostility.
Shamaila Akram, Vice President of Case Management at the Centre for Newcomers, explains, “We’re seeing a lot more people coming in with anxiety, panic attacks, and a real fear for their safety. There’s a clear need for more public education to fight the misinformation and prejudice that’s fueling this anger.”
Government Response and Anti-Racism Efforts
The Alberta government says it “stands firmly against racism” and points to its Anti-Racism Action Plan, launched in 2022, as proof of its commitment. This plan includes 28 recommendations to tackle systemic barriers and discrimination. By February 2025, the government had completed 27 of these recommendations, including the creation of Alberta’s first Black Advisory Council to support ongoing anti-racism work.
Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, says, “We’ve made real progress in making Alberta a more welcoming place, even though we’re seeing more hostility right now. Our work isn’t done, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Political Climate and the Alberta Next Panel
Some community advocates link the rise in racist narratives to political activities, especially the Alberta Next panel led by Premier Danielle Smith. This panel is touring the province to gather public input on federal government policies, with immigration as a key topic. Sessions have already taken place in Red Deer and Edmonton, with more planned for Fort McMurray and Lloydminster in August 2025.
Advocates say these discussions have sometimes fueled anti-immigrant rhetoric and emboldened people to express racist views more openly. Kelly Ernst, Chief Program Officer at the Centre for Newcomers, warns, “Political leaders need to be careful not to blame immigrants for problems like housing shortages. When they do, it gives people permission to act out their anger on newcomers.”
Evan Balgord, Executive Director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, notes a surge in online hatred targeting Alberta immigrants, especially those from South Asian backgrounds. He says racist narratives often paint immigrants as “dirty, criminal, incompatible, and dangerous,” which only adds to the fear and isolation many newcomers feel.
Recent Immigration Policy Changes
While Alberta immigrants face a tougher social climate, the province has also made several important changes to its immigration policies in 2025. These changes aim to attract skilled workers and help newcomers succeed, but they also bring new challenges.
Key policy updates include:
- Acceptance of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Core as a language proficiency test starting April 1, 2025. This test provides results within 48 hours and is accepted for all Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) streams, including Alberta Opportunity, Express Entry, Graduate Entrepreneur, and Rural Entrepreneur streams. This gives applicants more flexibility and faster processing times.
- Increased application fees for worker immigration streams, rising from $500 to $1,500 as of April 1, 2025. This threefold increase reflects a shift toward prioritizing quality over quantity in immigration, but it also makes the process more expensive for many families.
- Removal of automatic prioritization for applicants based on family connections or in-demand jobs. Instead, Alberta now uses a data-driven approach that matches applicants to labor market needs.
- Launch of a new Expression of Interest system for the AAIP on September 30, 2024. This system streamlines the application process and helps the province select candidates who best fit Alberta’s economic needs.
These changes are designed to attract top global talent and improve newcomer success, but they come at a time when Alberta immigrants are already facing increased social pressure and hostility.
Practical Implications for Alberta Immigrants
The current climate has several direct effects on Alberta immigrants:
- Increased anxiety and mental health challenges due to exposure to racial hostility and public harassment.
- Greater need for support services, security measures, and crisis intervention at immigrant-serving organizations.
- More complex social environment as newcomers try to adapt to updated immigration policies, higher fees, and new testing requirements.
For example, a newcomer family from Pakistan 🇵🇰 recently shared their experience with the Centre for Newcomers. After arriving in Calgary, they faced repeated verbal abuse at a local park. The mother, who wears a hijab, said, “I used to feel safe here, but now I’m scared to take my children outside.” The family now relies on crisis support services and has joined community workshops to learn how to respond to harassment.
Community and Organizational Response
Organizations like Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers play a vital role in supporting Alberta immigrants during these challenging times. Their actions include:
- Increasing building security to protect staff and clients.
- Reducing online program marketing to avoid attracting negative attention.
- Expanding crisis hotlines to offer immediate help to those facing racial hostility.
- Providing public education workshops to counter misinformation and promote understanding.
Shamaila Akram stresses that public education is key to changing attitudes. “We need to help people understand the real reasons why immigrants come to Alberta and the positive impact they have on our communities,” she says.
Government Resources and Contacts
For those seeking help or information, several resources are available:
- Calgary’s Centre for Newcomers offers crisis support and newcomer services.
- The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) provides up-to-date information on immigration procedures and requirements. You can find official details on the AAIP website.
- The Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council and Black Advisory Council offer opportunities for community engagement and feedback.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Future Outlook
The Alberta government says it will continue to implement anti-racism measures and foster inclusion. The completion of 27 out of 28 recommendations in the Anti-Racism Action Plan shows progress, but many believe more work is needed. Community advocates call for:
- Ongoing public education to counter racist narratives and misinformation.
- Stronger support for mental health services for Alberta immigrants affected by hostility.
- Continued monitoring of political discourse to ensure it does not fuel division or scapegoating.
- Regular review of immigration policies to balance economic needs with social integration.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the combination of updated immigration policies and a challenging social climate means Alberta immigrants must be resilient and resourceful. Organizations, government, and the wider community all have a role to play in making Alberta a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
Actionable Steps for Alberta Immigrants and Allies
- If you experience harassment or racial hostility, contact local crisis hotlines or immigrant-serving organizations for support.
- Stay informed about policy changes and new requirements by visiting the official AAIP website.
- Participate in community workshops and public education events to build understanding and resilience.
- Report incidents of racism to local authorities and advocacy groups to help track and address the problem.
Conclusion
Alberta’s efforts to attract skilled newcomers through updated testing and higher fees are happening at a time when racist narratives and hostility are on the rise. While the government and community organizations are working to respond with better security, support services, and anti-racism initiatives, Alberta immigrants still face real challenges. Continued action, education, and support are needed to ensure all newcomers can thrive and feel safe in their new home.
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