(UCC-APC/UkrNews) — Only two parties running in the April 23 Alberta Provincial Election — the Progressive Conservatives and the New Democrats — responded to a questionnaire prepared jointly by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Ukrainian News on issues affecting the Ukrainian community by the designated deadline of April 10. The questionnaire has been sent out over a week earlier to representatives of all five parties contesting this election — the PCs, the Wildrose Alliance, the Liberals, the NDP and the Alberta Party…

IMMIGRATION: Would your party support the creation of a provincial advisory body on immigration, which would include representatives of Alberta’s ethnic communities?

PC — The province is working actively with the federal government to attract and retain an increasing number of immigrants. We are also working closely with various agencies and community groups across the province to enhance the services offered to our immigrant population. A provincial advisory body on immigration, which would include representatives of Alberta ethnic communities, is something that we may be open for consideration after further exploration…

NDP — Yes. The Alberta NDP supports the principles behind this proposal because it would allow for input from immigrants and other knowledgeable stakeholders. Such improved input could also result in public policies being more effective and relevant. Alberta needs more immigrants to come here and settle, making contributions into the generations to come, as we have seen happen with Ukrainians. The experience and understanding of people in ethnic and cultural communities who have lived the settlement experience in the past is a tremendous resource in the development of good policies in the future. This advisory body could ensure better identification of emerging possibilities and challenges and offer ideas to best address them…

Read all questions and answers >>> Ukrainian News, April 12-25, 2012, p.7-9.