Edmonton's Newcomers

New Horizon Social Enterprise - G-251

New Comers Growth in Edmonton

In recent years, Edmonton has experienced an unprecedented wave of newcomer arrivals, marking the largest influx in its history. In 2023 alone, an estimated 66,800 new residents settled in the city, a transformative moment for Edmonton’s social, cultural diversity, and economic landscape.

This growth has been largely driven by international migration, which accounted for over 65% of all new arrivals. Many of these newcomers arrive as refugees, primarily from various regions of Africa, fleeing conflict, political instability, and economic hardship, driven by the hope of building a safer and more prosperous future for themselves and their children.

This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities , calling for innovative, community-based responses to ensure fair integration, inclusion, equitable access to housing, employment, education, and entrepreneurship.

Challenges

This demographic shift holds tremendous potential, it has also revealed a set of persistent and systemic challenges that prevent full and fair integration into Edmonton’s social and economic fabric.

Many newcomers face:

• Growing poverty and income insecurity

• Limited access to affordable housing, leading to rising homelessness

• Barriers to employment and education

• language barriers

• Risk of escalating crime and community safety concerns in underserved neighborhoods

• A worsening mental health crisis, compounded by trauma, isolation, and inadequate support systems.

These overlapping challenges highlight the urgent need for coordinated, community-driven responses that prioritize equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive services. If left unaddressed, these disparities threaten not only the well-being of newcomer families, but also the long-term health and cohesion of the city as a whole.

Opportunities that New Comers Bring to Edmonton

While newcomers face real challenges, they also bring immense value and opportunity to Edmonton, enriching the city’s economy, culture, and communities in meaningful ways.

Filling Critical Labor Shortages - Newcomers are helping address pressing labour market gaps across sectors such as healthcare, construction, food services, transportation, and caregiving. Many arrive with skills and experience but face barriers in credential recognition — yet their willingness to work, retrain, and contribute strengthens Edmonton’s workforce and supports economic growth.

Enhancing Cultural Diversity and Social Vibrancy - Edmonton's newcomer communities bring with them languages, traditions, arts, music, and food that help shape the city into a more inclusive and vibrant place. This growing diversity fosters cross-cultural understanding, global connectivity, and a stronger social fabric rooted in empathy and respect.

Driving Local Economic Contribution - Newcomers contribute as workers, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, and consumers. Many start small businesses that serve both their communities and the broader public — creating jobs, revitalizing commercial areas, and expanding the city’s economic base. Their entrepreneurial spirit often breathes new life into neglected neighborhoods and underserved markets

Strengthening Demographic Sustainability - In a city and province where population aging is a growing concern, newcomers — many of whom are young families — help ensure long-term demographic and economic vitality. They contribute to school enrollment, housing demand, and future workforce development, making them key to Edmonton’s sustainable growth.

Newcomers are not just recipients of services — they are builders of communities, leaders of change, and drivers of innovation. Creating the conditions for their success is not only a moral imperative — it is an investment in Edmonton’s future.