Edmonton is stronger when everyone feels welcome - no matter where they were born or what their immigration status is.
Edmonton’s future is being shaped by those who choose to build their lives here. Every year, many people arrive bringing the skills, culture and perspectives that strengthen our economy, communities and civic life. They help make Edmonton stronger, more connected and more vibrant.
Barriers Faced by Migrants to Edmonton
Not everyone experiences Edmonton the same way. Many continue to face barriers that make it harder to participate fully in city life. These barriers include:
- Not knowing how to use City services
- Language barriers or worries about immigration status
- Feeling left out or treated unfairly
- Trouble finding jobs that match their skills
- Not seeing their cultures and experiences reflected in programs
What is the Migrant Action Plan?
Guided by the City’s Migrant Inclusion Policy, the Migrant Action Plan aims to outline areas where the City can build up how it supports migrants so they feel included and are able to fully participate in the civic, social, political and economic activities of society.
The policy defines “Migrants” as people who were born outside of Canada or whose parents were, and now live in Edmonton. This term was selected during previous engagement sessions to include people from various backgrounds and immigration statuses.
How to Get Involved
Engagement is happening now until September 15, 2025. Share your feedback and perspectives.
Take the Edmonton Migrant Experience Survey
The survey is available in: Arabic, Chinese (simplified), French, Ukrainian, Punjabi (Panjabi), Spanish, Swahili and Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino).
The Purpose of the Action Plan
The Plan aims to support collaborative action across the corporation in the Migrant Inclusion Policy’s 6 focus areas:
- Inclusive Economy
- Services Access and Equity
- Data for Action
- Neighbourhood Inclusion
- Accessible Communication and Civic Participation
- Leadership in Advocacy and Implementation
These priorities were shaped by folks with lived experience.
Though the plan is still in development, it aims to:
- Identify actions the City can take within its role and jurisdiction
- Specify how the City of Edmonton will welcome others to our city, support their integration, and uplift their talents, skills and perspectives as city builders
Why This Plan Matters
About 1 in 3 people in Edmonton were born outside of Canada and are a big part of our city - they are workers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, artists, parents, students, neighbours and leaders.
This plan is important because it helps ensure that Edmonton is an inclusive and welcoming city for those trying to build a life here.
Welcoming talented people from around the world helps Edmonton grow stronger, both socially and economically. By listening and learning from those with lived experience, the City can explore changes that make Edmonton more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
When everyone can take part in community life, it makes Edmonton stronger, safer and more connected - for all of us.
Developing the Action Plan
The plan is being shaped by migrants and the organizations that support them, as well as by staff across City departments. It includes:
- A needs assessment
- Lived experience engagement
- Internal collaboration
- Reviews with the community
Project Timeline
We are taking a phased approach to ensure this plan reflects the voices and realities of those who have chosen to make Edmonton their home.
| Phase | Timeline | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Listen, Learn, Explore and Gather | Spring 2025 - Fall 2025 | We’re talking with City staff, reviewing past work, hearing from the community, and learning from people’s real experiences. |
| Reveal and Confirm | Winter 2025 - Spring 2026 | Sharing Needs Assessment and validating draft Action Plan |
| Finalization and Next Steps | Summer 2026 | Council submission and preparing for implementation |
Connection to other City Initiatives and Strategies
Along with the City’s Migrant Inclusion Policy, this plan supports:
The City Plan (BELONG)
ConnectEdmonton
The Community Safety and Well-being Strategy
Access Without Fear Policy
The Anti-Racism Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
The most immediate commitment is to develop a corporate plan that combines current City strategies around equity and outlines additional actions the corporation will take to advance inclusion.
The plan may recommend changes to how services are delivered or identify gaps to be addressed. Any new policies or bylaws would require Council approval.
We’ll measure success using data, community feedback, and progress on actions. An evaluation plan will guide how we track progress.
The City of Edmonton is not a Sanctuary City. While Edmonton allows undocumented migrants to access services through its 'Access Without Fear' policy, the City does not offer protection (sanctuary) from federal immigration laws, including deportation.