Refugee Realities: Calgary's Shifting Sands Amidst Federal-Provincial Tug-of-War
By The Numbers: A Look Back and a Look Around
Remember 2007? While some of us were probably still buzzing about the Flames' playoff run or complaining about Deerfoot traffic, a significant moment was unfolding for individuals like Adam Zivo, who, as a freelance writer and National Post columnist known for his sharp commentary on global events and LGBTQ+ advocacy, once noted landing in Montreal as a refugee. It’s a snapshot that opens a window into Canada’s enduring role as a haven, but also, critically, highlights the ever-evolving landscape of immigration and refugee policy that impacts our very own Calgary.
Fast forward to today, and the numbers tell a story that hits close to home. Back in 2007, Canada saw nearly 28,500 asylum claims, with Mexico, Haiti, and Colombia leading the charge. While that might sound like a lot, it wasn't even the peak; we hit almost 45,000 claims in 2001 and another nearly 37,000 in 2008. For Calgarians, understanding this isn't just about federal stats; it’s about recognizing the intricate ballet of processing that happens when someone arrives, whether at a port of entry, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office, or an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) location, eventually landing before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Even back then, Montreal was a hub for processing claims, much like our own city often is today. And let's not forget, beyond asylum seekers, 2006 saw Canada welcome over a quarter-million permanent residents, with economic newcomers making up the lion's share, shaping our city’s workforce and cultural tapestry then, just as they do now. This historical context provides essential backdrop for the challenges many new Calgarians face today, particularly with housing.
Who Pays? The Provincial Stance and Calgary's Burden
This is where the rubber truly meets the road for Calgary taxpayers and public services. Our provincial government has been vocal, to put it mildly, about the federal approach to asylum seekers. Premier Danielle Smith declared in September 2024 that Alberta is "not open" to more asylum claimants without substantial federal financial backing, citing concerns over our already stretched cost of living and public services. For those of us navigating Calgary's tight rental market and packed clinics, her concerns resonate. Then, in September 2025, she doubled down, tasking her Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister to secure more control over immigration, even exploring the controversial idea of withholding provincial social programs like health care from non-citizens or non-permanent residents lacking "Alberta-approved" status. The International Agreements Act (formerly Bill 1), which received Royal Assent just last month, effectively gives Alberta more teeth to assert its priorities, meaning federal agreements may not be binding here without provincial buy-in. While Ottawa shelled out over $426 million nationally for temporary accommodations for claimants, including some in our own city, between April 2023 and February 2024, the provincial stance makes it clear: the question of "who pays" is a battleground, with Calgarians potentially caught in the crossfire of policy disputes that impact both our taxes and our social safety net.
The Opposition: Advocates Sound the Alarm in The Bow City
But not everyone sees eye-to-eye on this "made-in-Alberta" immigration policy. Here in Calgary, newcomer advocates are sounding the alarm. Sarah Amiel, a prominent immigration lawyer, voiced serious concerns in December 2025, calling the proposal to cut off services like healthcare for newcomers not "Alberta-approved" potentially "reprehensible and extremely exploitive." Imagine arriving in a new country, seeking safety, only to face a provincial government that might deny you basic services essential for survival while you wait for your claim to be processed. This isn't just theory; it's a stark reality for many refugee claimants in our city right now. They often face crippling rent-to-income ratios of 90%, putting them at "extreme risk for shelter use, relative homelessness, and absolute homelessness." They're barely scraping by on limited financial benefits, typically just basic provincial income support. This debate isn’t abstract; it’s about the very real lives of people trying to make a fresh start on the banks of The Bow, and how our city chooses to embrace – or exclude – them.
The Verdict: What This Means for Everyday Calgarians
So, what’s the bottom line for everyday Calgarians? The conversation around refugees and immigration, sparked by a historical tweet and amplified by current provincial policy, reveals a deep tension. On one side, a federal system built to offer refuge; on the other, a provincial government demanding more control and accountability for resource strain. In the middle are the individuals seeking asylum and the existing Calgarians grappling with rising costs and societal pressures. This isn't just about statistics or political posturing; it's about the very fabric of our city. How we navigate these competing demands will define Calgary's character – as a compassionate hub, a pragmatic steward of resources, or something in between. For now, the tug-of-war continues, and the impact will undoubtedly be felt on our streets, in our social services, and in the ongoing debate around who we welcome and how we support them as they strive to call Calgary home.
