Canmore Council Backs Annual Immigrant Engagement Event

Canmore council has unanimously backed plans for an annual event designed to build stronger relationships between local elected officials and immigrant communities across the Bow Valley.

The decision came Aug 18. following a presentation from the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP), which told council it has heard from immigrant residents who want to engage more directly with the mayor and councillors but face barriers to participating in traditional civic processes.

The first event could happen as early as October.

Mayor Sean Krausert brought the motion forward immediately rather than waiting until council's next meeting, saying the earlier decision would give organizers more time to prepare.

Krausert said the event could provide another way for residents who cannot vote to participate in local democracy and give council an opportunity to hear directly about issues affecting a significant part of the community.

"I see this as not only building relationship, but the opportunity for us to listen," Krausert said.

Under the motion, the event will be preceded by a planning meeting involving mayor and council, Town administration, BVIP staff and its immigrant advisory group. Its stated purpose is to "build and maintain deep relationships with immigrant communities in the Bow Valley."

Nearly One-Third of Bow Valley Residents Born Outside Canada

BVIP told council that 32.8 percent of Bow Valley residents were born outside Canada, according to 2021 census data, describing that as nearly one in three neighbours, colleagues and friends.

The organization also said local newcomer-serving agencies supported close to 1,800 newcomers from more than 65 countries over the past 12 months.

BVIP argued those residents play an important role throughout the Bow Valley workforce, including in health care and construction, while employers continue to face challenges attracting and retaining workers.

The organization made four requests of council. Along with the annual engagement event, it asked council to formally acknowledge the contribution of immigrants and newcomers, continue advocating for permanent residents to gain voting rights in municipal elections, and support greater regional coordination on immigration-related issues.

Those three requests are expected to return to council on Sept. 1.

Council Says Event Is Only a Starting Point

Councillors broadly supported making the gathering an annual event rather than a one-time consultation.

Coun. Tanya Foubert said face-to-face conversations could help elected officials better understand how municipal decisions affect people with different backgrounds and lived experiences.

"When you're not always in contact, you don't know what you don't know," Foubert said.

Krausert said the event would give council another avenue to hear from residents whose perspectives might otherwise be missing when decisions are made.

Council approved the motion unanimously.