Foreign workers : A Pilot project in Alberta

The pilot project allowing faster hiring of foreign workers in fields where recruitment is the most difficult in Alberta needs to be expanded, according to an announcement by the federal government.
 
This pilot project was launched last year and involved heating equipment pipefitters-assemblers. This year six other trades have been added: welder, heavy equipment mechanic, carpenter, ironworker, millwright and industrial mechanic, and estimator. When they wish to change employers, these professionals, if they are temporary foreign workers, will no longer need to obtain a Labour Market Opinion from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. For residents of countries that do not require a visa to enter Canada, the waiting time will be considerably reduced, from a few months to a few minutes.
 
Stephen Khan, Minister of Enterprise and Higher Education in Alberta, stressed that the expansion of the pilot project followed discussions between the government and employers in the province, who have highlighted the shortage of candidates in these occupations. More generally, Alberta is likely to be short 114,000 workers by 2021.
 
It is to be noted that this project is only valid as long as the economic situation does not deteriorate – if unemployment increases or the need for manpower decreases, the government will end it to give priority to Canadians seeking work.