As reported in earlier editions of ImmPulse™, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has been partnering with the government of Alberta to restrict occupations for which Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will be granted in in that province. These restrictions are placed on occupations specified based on findings that there is no labour shortage in those fields, and as such, foreign workers should not be hired. (See, e.g., http://www.kranclaw.com/2018/02/further-updates-to-alberta-no-lmia-list/.)
Since originally introducing restrictions in May 2017, the list of restricted occupations has changed a number of times. The government has now revised the list yet again, and we wish to ensure that ImmPulse™ readers are updated in that regard. Given the frequency of the changes, it seems simplest to provide a link to the current list of restricted occupations, and we will advise if the list changes again. The current list of restricted occupations, for which LMIAs in Alberta cannot be sought, is found at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/refusal.html#h2.2-h3.2.
Please refer to that list, and note, as also previously indicated, that employers impacted by this program, (a) can seek assistance through the Alberta Employer Liaison Service (see http://www.albertacanada.com/opportunity/employers/employer-liaison-service.aspx), and (b) should not be impacted in situations where a foreign worker is coming to Canada pursuant to an LMIA-exempt category.
Those impacted should seek proper advice for their particular needs.
The information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.