The focus of CHBA – Alberta’s Skilled Labour Development strategy is always on Albertans first, Canadians second and foreign workers third. However, economists indicate that over the coming years, as high as 100% of Canada’s net labour force growth will be from foreign workers. Immigrants have helped build the province, and new Canadians and temporary foreign workers will be important as future sources of skilled labour for Alberta’s residential construction industry – to address both immediate and longer term skills shortages.

Any company is eligible to employ foreign workers on a temporary basis on a work permit. They are then able to keep those workers by making a permanent job offer, or nominating them for permanent resident status. A number of government programs are in place to assist employers who wish to apply for foreign workers – either for a limited period of time or permanently.

The federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program is available to all employers and allows temporary foreign workers to enter Canada if employers can demonstrate they cannot find Canadian workers to fill job openings. Employers can recruit a wide range of foreign workers – if they meet the requirements of the program.

The Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an employer - driven skilled worker immigration program. It is operated on behalf of the Government of Alberta by the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Industry in conjunction with Citizenship Immigration Canada (CIC) to
expedite the processing of an application for permanent resident status. It is designed to meet the needs of Alberta employers who are unable to fill skilled and select semi-skilled positions with Canadian citizens or permanent
residents. The Alberta PNP was recently expanded to help increase and speed up the flow of immigrants and help address immediate labour shortages.

Employers can use 3rd-party organizations such as Labour Brokers or Employment Agencies, and/or Immigration Consultants or Immigration Lawyers, to assist in recruiting foreign workers. While many recruiters are reputable and experienced, others can create problems down the road for
employers. It is important to verify that these individuals and/or organizations are meeting Canadian and/or Alberta registration and regulatory requirements

CHBA - ALBERTA - SLD:
www.chbaalberta.ca

Alberta Immigration Promotion
www.alberta-canada.com

Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program
Information for employers:
www.cic.gc.ca

Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
www.alberta-canada.com

Alberta Foreign Worker Hotline:
1-877-427-6419

Labour Market Opinion application form and process
www.hrsdc.gc.ca

How to Hire a Foreign Worker Seminar
www.alberta-canada.com

Using Employment Agencies
www.cic.gc.ca



Members can become involved in several ways:
Be informed on foreign worker and immigration programs and processes by participating in workshops and other information sessions provided by government and CHBA – Alberta, and contacting the Alberta Foreign Worker Hotline. Participate in the development of tool-kits and how-to guides to ensure these are effective in helping company managers to become familiar with these processes, and to be successful and efficient in going
through them. Attend international recruitment and promotion
trade missions and job fairs. Collaborate with CHBA - Alberta and other members to pool resources and expertise, and obtain help with completing applications and Labour Market Opinions.
Canadian Home Builders' Association - Alberta © 2007


Determine the current rate/tracking of immigration for residential
construction so good decisions can be made about what skills
are required and where.

Implement pilot immigration initiatives with select immigration broker(s), governments and interested CHBA - Alberta employers.
Develop strategic alliances among CHBA - Alberta, industry
partners and governments to streamline regulatory requirements.

Develop Labour Market Opinion (LMO) and other
templates for use by members.

Develop a step-by-step guide for members on hiring and
supporting immigrants through the PNP and/or TFW program.

In partnership with Alberta Employment, Immigration and
Industry, develop a customized seminar for members on
How to Hire a Foreign Worker, for delivery in all Local
HBA areas.

Inform members about upcoming Alberta and international events
where they can tap into sources for foreign trades workers.