Attracting skilled workers to protect communities

Keeping Albertans safe is a top priority for Alberta's government. By creating a new Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) pathway for law enforcement, the government is adding necessary supports for Alberta's police services to meet their recruitment objectives for public protection and to address crime.

Policing in Alberta is critical to maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law and fostering community trust and co-operation, but in recent years there has been a significant drop in the number of Albertans applying to pursue a career in policing. Although Alberta has a limited number of nomination allocations available for 2024, the province is committed to protecting the safety and security of Albertans by supporting Alberta police services' international policer officer recruitment.

"Newcomers bring essential skills and unique perspectives that address Alberta's labour shortages and enrich our communities. By creating a new AAIP pathway for law enforcement, we're supporting police services in meeting recruitment goals and enhancing public safety."

Eligible employers for law enforcement nominations must be members of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP). Law enforcement occupations that are eligible for nominations include commissioned and non-commissioned police officers and related occupations in public protection services, police investigators and other investigative occupations, and other specialized law enforcement occupations. Invited applicants must have a job offer from an AACP member, as well as meet all other Express Entry criteria.

"Across North America, police recruitment is more competitive than ever, and police services are challenged to keep pace with the need to attract candidates. Expanding the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program to include police officers helps our province's law enforcement agencies attract experienced and skilled officers from abroad to meet hiring demands, while enhancing the overall safety and security of our communities."

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program helps strengthen and grow Alberta's economy by helping address labour challenges across all sectors, including in law enforcement.

Quick facts

• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is an economic immigration program that allows Alberta to nominate individuals for permanent residence.
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sets Alberta's annual nomination limits:
  • Nominees must have skills to fill job shortages in Alberta and be able to provide for their families.
  • While AAIP nominates candidates, IRCC makes final decisions on all permanent residence applications.
• 50 nominations have been allocated for 2024 to help boost police force staffing across Alberta.
• In addition to funding 100 more police officers in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta's government has taken several actions to improve public safety, uphold the rule of law and foster community trust and co-operation in Alberta communities through:
  • Implementing a pilot project to team Alberta Sheriffs with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers;
  • Adding more local positions to the Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit; and
  • Funding a new Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team to assist local police services in apprehending high priority offenders, reducing risk they may reoffend and/or revictimize.

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