Calgary Pastor Calls for End to Immigrant Scapegoating in Alberta Politics
In a powerful critique of current political rhetoric, Rev. Ryan Andersen of Calgary has challenged Premier Danielle Smith's recent statements blaming immigrants for Alberta's service strains. Drawing from philosophical and religious traditions, Andersen argues that scapegoating newcomers represents a failure of governmental responsibility rather than a solution to provincial challenges.
The Scapegoating Mechanism in Modern Politics
Rev. Andersen references French philosopher René Girard's work on scapegoating, explaining how communities historically avoided addressing internal problems by blaming innocent victims. "What we witnessed in the premier's February 19th speech was this exact mechanism at work," Andersen states. "Instead of confronting our province's genuine economic difficulties, immigrants became the convenient target."
Addressing the Real Economic Challenges
The Calgary pastor systematically dismantles the immigration argument by examining Alberta's actual economic pressures:
- Employment Issues: Andersen notes that job struggles in Alberta's oil industry result primarily from automation and technological changes, not immigration patterns.
- Housing Affordability: Decades of government underfunding for affordable housing, restrictive zoning policies, and low interest rates driving housing financialization have created the current crisis—factors predating recent immigration increases.
- Budgetary Constraints: The article highlights how successive governments have chosen politically popular tax cuts that reduce revenue growth potential, creating service gaps when oil prices fluctuate.
- Population Growth: Andersen points out the irony that Premier Smith criticized rapid population growth without acknowledging her government's "Alberta is Calling" campaign that actively encouraged this expansion.
The Immigrant Contribution to Alberta
"Immigrants bring extraordinary gifts to our province," Andersen emphasizes. "They often represent the best and brightest from their home countries, arriving with skills, talents, and ambitions that directly contribute to Alberta's economic dynamism and cultural richness."
The pastor reminds readers that unless Indigenous, all Albertans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants who received opportunities to build lives in the province. "Attempting to pit earlier immigrants against newer arrivals represents an old political manipulation technique, not responsible governance," he asserts.
Religious and Historical Context
Andersen draws parallels to current American political patterns where powerholders avoid responsibility by scapegoating vulnerable communities. As a Christian pastor, he notes that Judeo-Christian traditions fundamentally reject scapegoating, instead emphasizing ancestral experiences as migrants and slaves seeking safety.
"During Lent and approaching Easter, the cross's message becomes particularly relevant," Andersen reflects. "When we engage in scapegoating, what we ultimately crucify is the divine presence among us through our fellow human beings."
A Call for Mature Leadership
The article concludes with a direct challenge to political leadership: "Taking responsibility for one's actions represents the baseline maturity we must expect from any leader." Andersen argues that blaming Ottawa and immigrants for consequences of provincial policy decisions demonstrates avoidance rather than accountability.
Rev. Ryan Andersen serves as lead organizer for the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, bringing both theological insight and community organizing experience to this pressing political discussion.
