The Province of Alberta is making it easier for new immigrants to get their licence while they wait for their confirmation hearing.

Since 2012, Alberta has been the only province in which refugees could not apply for a drivers licence before their hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

Brian Malkinson, Minister of Service Alberta says, "I’ve heard from many of these new Albertans who are unable to work because they’ve not been allowed to get a driver’s licence. That’s not right and that’s why we’re taking action."

Malkinson believes not having that critical licence bars newcomers from being able to find employment and support their families.

Canada is the second largest resettlement country in the world, with 13,670 refugees in Alberta.

 

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