Temporary Foreign Worker Program Moratorium To End In June

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A moratorium on Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program will be lifted at the beginning of June, Westlock-St. Paul MP Brian Storseth says.
He addressed a crowd of business owners and employees about that status of the program at a roundtable discussion at the St. Paul Legion Hall on May 20, listening to concerns and providing updated information to those gathered there about the moratorium that has been in place since April.
“We’re trying to give you guys a little bit of certainty when it comes to what’s being done with the program,” he said. “When the moratorium is lifted, I will go to each of our communities and go through all of the changes that are being made.”
Storseth described the moratorium as a chance for the federal government to look at better ways of enforcing laws, auditing and reviewing the way the program operates — with special attention paid to the service-sector jobs.
A focus of the discussion, and one of the most influencing factors leading to the moratorium was the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) portion of the Temporary Foreign Worker program. Storseth noted that the application process for LMOs coming under scrutiny was the reason the minister thought it important to put a moratorium in place.
“I wanted to push for certainty,” he said. “I said to the minister that these are businessmen and businesswomen, they can’t not know how long this moratorium is going to be in place for, how many of their employees it’s going to affect.”
Storseth added while he has heard 100 per cent support for the program from members of the business community, the support among residents-at-large is closer to 50 per cent.
He emphasized the need for business owners to advocate the program, with one of its biggest obstacles being public opinion outside of the business community.
“In polls, it’s consistently our friends and neighbours that don’t understand this program, and you have to let them know how important it is,” he said.
Storseth described changes that would improve the program, which included increased speed at which LMOs are processed and approved, and a regionalization of the program to fit the different needs of different municipalities and provinces with their own specific employment needs.
Westlock restaurant owner David Truckey — one of a half dozen from Westlock who went to St. Paul for the discussion — said he was happy with a lot of what he heard at the meeting. The coming end to the moratorium is good news, but he’s also happy with the idea of regionalizing the program.
“Obviously what people need in Alberta is not what people need in Ontario or the Maritimes,” he said.
“To put one system in place for the whole country makes it a little difficult to participate in the program.”
Truckey added one of his biggest concerns is the way the moratorium was enforced on an entire industry, rather than on a case-by-case basis for those employers who were abusing the program.
Not least of his concerns is what it means for workers who are affected by the moratorium.
“I think what has never been addressed is a lot of temporary foreign workers have been put in a very difficult situation,” he said.
One of the workers at his restaurant has been put in just such a situation, where the work permit has expired but that worker can’t get a new one — and therefore can’t work — because of the moratorium.
During the question period of the discussion, many in the audience raised concerns.
Brian Jones, a business owner from Smoky Lake, asked if about $8,000 in application fees from a declined application could be applied to future applications.
“It’s a different situation if someone applied and there’s been no decision rendered, compared to someone who already got rejected before the moratorium was in place,” Storseth replied.
Jones suggested the program was shut down before the official announcement was made, as he knows of many other businesses that were declined prior to the moratorium being announced — Storseth said he wouldn’t speculate on the topic.
Bonnyville mayor Gene Sobolewski asked whether there are specific concerns from the public about any aspect of the program, or whether public opposition is based on ignorance.
“A lot of it came about from …high-profile cases of abuse,” Storseth said. “It’s easier to show a seven-second clip on why it’s bad, and harder to take 10 minutes explaining the importance of the program.”
Another guest said, “We heard talk of an increased application fee for hiring workers, it was thrown out there, is there any information on that?”
Storseth also noted an application-free increase is being considered, but said he was concerned it could get expensive in this riding, where businesses are dependent on foreign workers. The application fee, however, has caused more businesses to be discerning in their use of the program.
“Employers around the country were aggressively pursuing the program when there was zero cost,” he said. “Since implementing a $275 fee, we’ve had 40 per cent fewer applications.”
Some in attendance expressed concern that temporary foreign workers are often described as unskilled, which isn’t necessarily the case — they’re skilled in whatever service they’re providing.
“They’re skilled in their own way, and if it wasn’t for them, the people from CNRL and all the oil companies wouldn’t be getting a cup of coffee and a Big Mac when they come through,” said Megan Land, the owner-operator of McDonald’s in Cold Lake.
“I have letters from people in our community, positive letters saying they contribute to our community,” she added. “Maybe you can help us get those stories out there too. We can’t attract negativity to us as businesspeople.”
Storseth reaffirmed it’s the business community that needs to advocate for the program.
“One thing I have noticed is the more temporary foreign workers there are in our communities, and the longer they’re here, the better the numbers are coming back from the poll,” he said. “One of the best things about this moratorium is that it scared people with what could happen and what the public perception is nationally.”
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JOBS IN CANADA

Modern Autobody Paris Texas
Modern Autobody Paris Texas (Photo credit: In Paris Texas)
Position:     AUTOBODY REPAIRERS (BODYMEN)
NOC                                         7322
Number of Positions               6
Years of Experience:               5+ years
Education:                               Trade school for Autobody Repairers
English Level:                          Active
Preferred Countries:               No Preference
Needed by:                              ASAP
Length of Contract:                 2 years
Location:                                 Edmonton, AB
Starting Wage:                        32/hour
Type of Immigration:              LMO, AIT and Work Permit (Applicants will have to be approved for certification by an Alberta trade association before applying for a work permit) 
Perm. Residence:                    Potentially
Employer pays for:                  Immigration Assistance with WP, Relocation & Settlement, and flight (reimbursed after 3 months of work)
Employee pays for:                 $450 AIT Certification Fee, $155 for Work Permit Fee, accommodation, day-to-day expenses

DESCRIPTION:
Autobody Technicians in the Autobody Repairer branch of the trade do frame and body structural repairs, body sheet metal work, plastic repairs, component replacement and alignment. Autobody Repairers are also responsible for restoring the structural integrity of the damaged vehicle during the repair process. This generally involves cutting away damaged components and welding in new or recycled replacements.
The successful candidate will enjoy working in a team environment and feel motivated to strive for continuous improvement. We offer a stable work environment and the opportunity to advance within the company; other perks include Health & Dental Benefits, Vision Care and Disability coverage. Compensation is based on skills, ability and performance – wages range from $32/h CAD (Starting Wage) - $40/h CAD. Standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, not including weekends. 
Responsibility:
·         Never repair a vehicle without a police sticker if the damage exceeds $2,000
·         Read and verify the repair plan and perform all tasks listed for delivery date
·         Inspect all parts for damage and correctness; report all missed, hidden or prior damages BEFORE REPAIRS ARE STARTED
·         Ensure that a panel we are paid to do is PERFECT and rust proofed
·         Close car windows and doors during repairs to reduce the amount of dust in the vehicle, cover the seat and do no place tools or parts in the interior
·         Ensure proper use of frame measuring system and perform the repairs to the exact factory specifications
·         If painting is required, inform the Quality Control Coordinator
·         Repairs under mouldings, glass, bumpers, etc. are to be of the same quality as the rest of the vehicle
·         Do not splice unless pre-authorised (rad supports, quarter, partial replace, aprons, door)
·         Remove all combustible material from the welding area; cover glass, dash and wiring with welding blankets
·         Apply the epoxy primer over rusting areas before applying the body filler or fiberglass
·         Finish welds to ensure there are no pinholes or grinder marks; inspect for strength and appearance
·         Final assembly to be done after painting to ensure concealed areas have the same quality of paint – NO SPRAY BOMBS
·         Eliminate dents from the sheet metal as well as possible to ensure the least amount of filler is used; grind paint back a minimum of 2” from the filled area
·         No metal bonding of truck box panels allowed; only partial bonding plus welding of roof skins, door skins and quarter panels
Requirements:
·         Auto Body Technician Journeyman Certificate (Completion of Journeyman Certificate that includes Prepper, Refinisher and Repairer) or equivalent
·         Complete working knowledge of the trade and related equipment along with the ability to apply the knowledge in diagnosis and repair work  
·         Able to understand, communicate, read and write English at a level needed to meet job related task and safety requirements
·         MUST have your own tools (the company will assist with purchasing tools by providing finances and the worker will pay back)
·         The ability to think logically and keep up with changes in technology  
·         Knowledge and understanding of Occupational Health and Safety and Environmental standards and procedures and a commitment to safe work habits  
·         Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and time management skills required  
·         Demonstrated ability to fulfill team objectives as an active positive employee and co-worker 

·         Strength and stamina required to handle heavy tools, manual dexterity, creativity, patience and a keen eye for detail. Please send your resume to nexuscanadavisa@gmail.com



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Restaurants hope to get back to using foreign temp employees

Jason Kenney
Jason Kenney (Photo credit: mostlyconservative)
OTTAWA and TORONTO — The Globe and Mail
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program - Moratorium

The Centre Block on Parliament Hill, containin...
The Centre Block on Parliament Hill, containing the houses of the Canadian parliament (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a program of last and limited resort, to be accessed by employers facing genuine, acute labour shortages, and only after Canadians are not available to fill the job. In support of this Program mandate, on  , the Minister of ESDC issued three Ministerial Instructions, one of which is the Refusal to Process Labour Market Opinions (LMO) if there is new information indicating that the employment of the foreign national in any portion, sector, region or occupational group of the labour market in Canada may or will have a significant negative effect on the Canadian labour market.
After careful analysis of significant new information, including from Canadians through Service Canada’s Confidential Tip Line, the Minister of ESDC has directed officials to establish a moratorium on the Food Services Sector’s access to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Effective immediately, ESDC will no longer process LMOs for occupations in the Food Services Sector.
LMOs will not be processed for occupations classified by the 2002 North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS 2002) in Food Services and Drinking Places (NAICS subsector 722). Specifically, certain occupations related to sales and service and sales and service management as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC 2006). Please see this list for further detail.
Employers that have submitted applications and paid the processing fee, but have not yet received an LMO, will be refunded the full processing fee.
Any unused positions on positive LMOs that have been issued to employers for these sectors will be suspended and therefore will no longer be able to be used to obtain a worker permit.
ESDC will continue to ensure that Canadians have first access to available jobs. Abuse of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will not be tolerated. To report misuse or abuse, contact:
Service Canada Confidential Tip Line
1-866-602-9448
Anonymous tips can also be provided to the Employer Contact Centre: 1-800-367-5693
List of all Sales and Services Occupations (Skill type 6 based on NOC-2006)
NOC CodeNOC4 Title
6641Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers and Related Occupations
0631Restaurant and Food Service Managers
6212Food Service Supervisors
6453Food and Beverage Servers
6611Cashiers
6241Chefs
6242Cooks
6252Bakers
0611Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers
0621Retail Trade Manager
0632Accommodation Service Managers
0651Other Services Managers
6211Retail Trade Supervisors
6213Executive Housekeepers
6214Dry Cleaning and Laundry Supervisors
6215Cleaning Supervisors
6216Other Service Supervisors
6221Technical Sales Specialists - Wholesale Trade
6251Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers - Retail and Wholesale
6411Sales Representatives - Wholesale Trade (Non-Technical)
6421Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks
6451Maîtres d'hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses
6452Bartenders
6484Other Personal Service Occupations
6622Grocery Clerks and Store Shelf Stockers
6623Other Elemental Sales Occupations
6651Security Guards and Related Occupations
6661Light Duty Cleaners
6662Specialized Cleaners
6663Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents
6681Dry Cleaning and Laundry Occupations
6682Ironing, Pressing and Finishing Occupations
6683Other Elemental Service Occupations
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Breaking News: Re-Opening of Federal Skilled Worker Program

English: The recreation of the immigration hal...
English: The recreation of the immigration hall at Pier 21, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, the Government of Canadaannounced new occupations and caps for the popular Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. Additional important information has been announced for the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs.
The new changes go into effect for all three programs on May 1, 2014.
“This is a long-awaited and exciting announcement for applicants all over the world,” said Attorney David Cohen. “I am certain that in the coming days we will see an incredible amount of excitement generated for the FSW program in particular, which has historically been the most popular path to Canadian Permanent Residency.”
Federal Skilled Worker Announcements
Effective May 1, 2014, the FSW will be accepting an overall total of 25,000 new applications. Applicants must have at least one year of work experience in one of 50 eligible occupations. A maximum of 1,000 applications will be accepted per eligible occupation.
The eligible occupations include many widely practiced professions. They are as follows:
  1. Senior managers – financial, communications and other business services (NOC 0013)
  2. Senior managers – trade, broadcasting and other services, n.e.c. (0015)
  3. Financial managers (0111)
  4. Human resources managers (0112)
  5. Purchasing managers (0113)
  6. Insurance, real estate and financial brokerage managers (0121)
  7. Managers in health care (0311)
  8. Construction managers (0711)
  9. Home building and renovation managers (0712)
  10. Managers in natural resources production and fishing (0811)
  11. Manufacturing managers (0911)
  12. Financial auditors and accountants (1111)
  13. Financial and investment analysts (1112)
  14. Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers (1113)
  15. Other financial officers (1114)
  16. Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations (1123)
  17. Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers (1212)
  18. Property administrators (1224)
  19. Geoscientists and oceanographers (2113)
  20. Civil engineers (2131)
  21. Mechanical engineers (2132)
  22. Electrical and electronics engineers (2133)
  23. Petroleum engineers (2145)
  24. Information systems analysts and consultants (2171)
  25. Database analysts and data administrators (2172)
  26. Software engineers and designers (2173)
  27. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)
  28. Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (2232)
  29. Construction estimators (2234)
  30. Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (2241)
  31. Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics (2243)
  32. Inspectors in public and environmental health and occupational health and safety (2263)
  33. Computer network technicians (2281)
  34. Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors (3011)
  35. Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (3012)
  36. Specialist physicians (3111)
  37. General practitioners and family physicians (3112)
  38. Dietitians and nutritionists (3132)
  39. Audiologists and speech-language pathologists (3141)
  40. Physiotherapists (3142)
  41. Occupational therapists (3143)
  42. Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists (3214)
  43. Medical radiation technologists (3215)
  44. Medical sonographers (3216)
  45. Licensed practical nurses (3233)
  46. Paramedical occupations (3234)
  47. University professors and lecturers (4011)
  48. Psychologists (4151)
  49. Early childhood educators and assistants (4214)
  50. Translators, terminologists and interpreters (5125)
Applicants under the FSW program will be assessed according to the same criteria as 2013. Applicants are assessed on a points grid that takes into account important factors such as education, language skills, work experience, age, and adaptability to Canada. All applicants must meet minimum language requirements in either English or French.
In addition to skilled workers, the FSW program includes streams for PhD holders and individuals who have received eligible job offers from Canadian employers. A maximum of 500 PhD applicants will be accepted under the upcoming program. Applicants who hold valid job offers are not subject to any intake caps.
“While it is exciting to see so many occupations on this list, the most popular are likely to fill very quickly,” said Attorney David Cohen. “I strongly encourage anybody interested in this program to seize the moment and prepare to submit their application much sooner rather than later.”
Federal Skilled Trades Announcements
The FST program is for applicants with experience in a skilled trade. As of May 1, the FST program will be accepting a maximum of 5,000 applications for review. All NOC B level trades will be eligible for this program. This amounts to a total of 90 different occupations.
A maximum of 100 applications will be accepted under any single occupation. The 90 eligible occupations fall into the following general categories:
  • Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical and construction trades;
  • Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades;
  • Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in national resources, agriculture and related production;
  • Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators;
  • Minor Group 632: chefs and cooks;
  • Minor Group 633: butchers and bakers
Canadian Experience Class Announcements
The CEC program was created for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada. As of May 1, the program will accept a maximum of 8,000 new applications. Any skilled occupation is eligible*, however for NOC B level occupations a maximum of 100 applications will be accepted per occupation.
*The following six occupations are not eligible to apply under the CEC:
  • Administrative officers (NOC 1221)
  • Administrative assistants (1241)
  • Accounting technicians/bookkeepers (1311)
  • Cooks (6322)
  • Food service supervisors (6311)
  • Retail sales supervisors (6211)
What This Means for Applicants
Many prospective immigrants have been eagerly waiting for these changes to be announced. This new information confirms that all three programs are open for business once again.
The FSW program is more open to applicants than it has been in the past few years. The cap has increased more than five times over, from just 5,000 last year to 25,000 this year. In addition, the number of eligible occupations has more than doubled, from just 24 last year to 50 as of May 1. This means that skilled workers who were not eligible for the program in previous years because of their professional experience may now be eligible to apply.
“I am excited to hear that Canada is opening up its doors to so many talented professionals,” said Attorney David Cohen. “This is the last time applicants can apply under the FSW program in its current format. Starting in 2015, the Government of Canada has announced that it will be transitioning to a new immigration selection system known as ‘Express Entry’. This is just one more reason for interested applicants to act now, and take steps toward achieving their immigration goals.”
To find out if you are eligible for the FSW, FST, CEC or any of Canada’s over 60 immigration programs, please fill out an online assessment today.

Source: http://www.cicnews.com/2014/04/breaking-news-reopening-federal-skilled-worker-program-043382.html
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