Edmonton city council discusses how to help newcomers

As Edmonton contends with a massive population boom over the last two years, Edmonton councillors discussed on Monday how they can help newcomers to the city.

“Immigration is a federal and provincial responsibility, but at the same time as a municipality, we provide front-facing services to all Edmontonians. From public transit to recreational facilities, libraries, public safety and well-being, fire services,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.

While it’s not directly city jurisdiction, Edmonton city council approved a plan to increase access to front-line services and community engagement for newcomers to Canada and to the city.

The city is preparing to hit a population of two million, which means an increase in Edmontonians using city services.

“Migrants, it could be people like me, who came in as immigrants — and our children — now make up to close to 40 per cent of Edmonton’s population,” said Sam Juru, the executive director of Africa Centre.

Juru spoke at city hall Monday, saying the city plan is needed as Edmonton’s demographics are changing.

“So there’s more need to provide economic supports, people who want to start businesses, employment, social supports, things like housing, access to affordable transit,” said Juru.

Edmonton’s mayor told CityNews Monday that newcomers to Canada are crucial to the city’s economy, as the city contends with a tough budget.

“I want to highlight, we need to be very mindful, without immigration, without people moving to our city, our economy would not be able to grow, our society would not be able to advance. We need workforce,” said Sohi.

Sohi says he intends to focus on strong services, while minimizing property taxes, when budget talks resume next week.