Rural Immigration & Health

Understanding Newcomer Services in Rural Alberta

As immigration to rural communities increases through provincial and federal initiatives, the Rural Development Network (RDN) and community partners recognized a need to better understand the services available to newcomers in these areas. This report explores service gaps in Brooks, Hinton, Strathmore, and Claresholm, mapping existing supports and examining how community characteristics impact newcomer health and well-being. The findings aim to inform future projects under RDN’s rural immigration initiative, support local service providers, and guide the development of responsive programs that meet the unique needs of newcomers in rural Alberta.