Alberta is aiming to boost its tourism industry, planning to double its size over the next decade. To be able to meet and take the industry to that level, Alberta would need more workers in the tourism and food service sectors. In this sector, the provincial government is rolling out a new PNP program for Alberta that will give a special PR pathway just for the tourism industry.
The goal is to fill the labour shortage in this particular industry and increase the workforce. But while some are hopeful this will be a game-changer, others worry it might bring unexpected problems.
But if you look at the larger picture, a national tourism group is keeping an eye on Alberta’s move, hoping it could pave the way for similar initiatives elsewhere.
While some provinces like Saskatchewan have their immigration setups for hospitality workers, Alberta’s approach is on a whole other level and will significantly increase the number of workers.
How does the New Alberta PNP program work?
Well, this new immigration pathway falls under Alberta’s provincial nominee program, which means it’s for folks who want to become permanent residents of Alberta.
What are the requirements?
If you’ve been working in Alberta’s tourism sector as a temporary foreign worker for at least 6 months and have a job offer from an approved employer, you could be eligible.
It’s particularly aimed at workers in 18 different job categories, ranging from cooks and cleaners to tour guides.
These are the job categories listed below:
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness – NOC code: 5254
- Restaurant and food service managers – NOC code: 0631
- Accommodation service managers – NOC code: 0632
- Food service supervisors – NOC code: 6311
- Chefs – NOC code: 6321
- Cooks – NOC code: 6322
- Maitres d’hotel and hosts/hostesses – NOC code: 6513
- Bartenders – NOC code: 6512
- Hotel front desk clerks – NOC code: 6525
- Tour and travel guides – NOC code: 6531
- Outdoor sport and recreational guides – NOC code: 6532
- Food and beverage servers – NOC code: 6513
- Food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations – NOC code: 6711
- Support occupations in accommodation, travel, and facilities setup services – NOC code: 6721
- Light duty cleaners – NOC code: 6731
- Specialized cleaners – NOC code: 6732
- Janitors, caretakers, and heavy-duty cleaners – NOC code: 6733
- Dry cleaning, laundry, and related occupations – NOC code: 6741
How many people will be invited?
The numbers look promising, too. Last year, Alberta was given nearly 10,000 nominations under the provincial nominee program. The tourism stream is expected to be at least 10% of the total nominations which can be believed to be around 1,000 nominations.
Concerns and Reactions
While some view the program positively, there are concerns about potential exploitation and wage stagnation. Experts also debate the impact of tying immigration to specific employers.
When is it launching and becoming official?
The new immigration stream is set to begin on March 1. The government plans to assess its success based on application numbers. Other provinces may observe Alberta’s experience with the program before considering similar initiatives.
Pause on Alberta Opportunity Stream
However, the Alberta opportunity stream has already been paused since the announcement of this stream. But it is believed that they Alberta PNP will continue to invite people to the Alberta Opportunity stream.
All other streams under AAIP are still open and they will continue to be inviting people under his stream.
