July 16, 2012

Alberta Pilot Project Expanded to Include More Occupations

Skilled Foreign Workers looking for work are now able to apply for a multitude of occupations under the Temporary Foreign Workers pilot program.  The Temporary Foreign Workers pilot program was originally launched under the Temporary Foreign Worker Annex to the Agreement for Canada-Alberta Cooperation on Immigration in 2011 to allow eligible foreign workers the opportunity to work in a temporary position.

The project is targeting individuals looking to come to Alberta to fill positions that were not available to them before, in hopes of expanding the scope of employees wanting employment in high demand occupations. Additional occupations to be included to the program are; welder, heavy duty equipment mechanic, ironworker, millwright and industrial mechanic, carpenter, and estimator.

Without having to receive any authorization through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the program will entitle foreign workers to a work permit that will allow them to work freely between Alberta employers. Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney hopes the expansion will help satisfy the high demand for employers looking for temporary employees in Alberta.