‘Shared values’: Alberta premier draws criticism over comments in address [Video]

Premier Danielle Smith is drawing criticism over comments made during her provincial address.

• Download the CTV News App for breaking news alerts on all the top Edmonton stories

On Tuesday, Smith said the province would continue to welcome newcomers who possess “shared values” while calling on the federal government to stem the flow of immigration to Canada.

In her address Smith said the influx of newcomers was exacerbating shortages in housing and jobs, as well as impacting health, education and other social services infrastructure.

In a statement on Wednesday, advocacy organization Friends of Medicare accused Smith of blaming Alberta’s challenges unfairly on immigration.

“Fueling xenophobia and racism to deflect from her own government’s record on public services is completely unacceptable from an elected official,” executive director Chris Gallaway wrote.

“You can’t say ‘Alberta is calling’ for years, and brag about record population growth, then act surprised when that same population …