Cypress County gives notice to withdraw from rural immigration program

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 5, 2025.

Cypress County Council passed a motion to give its six-month notice to withdraw from the Alberta Rural Renewal immigration stream.

It was noted by council that while they have been participating in the program, they have yet to receive any people through the stream, though there have been some applications.

“It costs us about $12,000 a year to be in here, and we haven’t received one person as of now. We have had a few apply, but we haven’t received anybody for qualification,” said Reeve Dan Hamilton. “Being on this and dealing with it every month and not seeing how it’s gone, I don’t believe it’s worthwhile for the county to persist and keep spending the money on it.”

It was noticed that since it is currently paused until November, the six months will not begin until the fall.

Council continued that they will be open to possibly withdrawing notice should circumstances change in the interim period.