By
Andy Semotiuk

Alberta Oil Patch Labour Shortage May Mean More Immigration Opportunities

January 3, 2012

Andy Semotiuk

The Globe and Mail recently ran an article entitled Oil Patch Pushes for Immigration Change. The article describes how the booming energy sector in western Canada is leading to a labour shortage which immigration may be able to fill.

Here is a quick Q & A on the issue with immigration lawyer Andy Semotiuk.

Andy, how can an out-of-work person from the US energy sector take advantage of the labour shortage in Alberta?

Any engineer, any architect, any person working in a professional capacity such as computer systems analysts and the like, can immediately come up to Canada to work with a job offer from the oil patch in Alberta in hand. We can get such a person a work permit at the Canadian border.

Persons who do not have professional qualifications but who work in the trades can obtain work permits if they are offered a job by a Canadian company, although it will take a couple of months because the offer has to be approved by Service Canada. The company needs to provide a Labour Market Opinion that there is no Canadian worker ready, willing and able to take the job before Canada Citizenship and Immigration will issue the work permit.

Do you think the Canadian government will change any immigration rules in order to deal with the shortage?

The Canadian government is looking into loosening up the rules to enable qualified American workers to come up to Canada. One way this could be done is to blanket certify the various occupations in short supply in Alberta so that there is no need to apply for a Labour Market Opinion before getting a work permit. Possible new opportunities may arise out of the recently concluded Security Perimeter agreement between Canada and the United States. We must await further developments in this regard.

How long does it take for a qualified person to receive papers that will get them into the country and working again?

As mentioned previously, for a qualified professional, there is no waiting line – he or she can start work the day they enter Canada. As for other occupations in short supply, the normal waiting period is about three to four months although there may be circumstances where approvals can be expedited due to urgent need.

Share This Post
Email
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Trending Posts
Read More Insights
Wills And Estates
By
Pace Law
Estate planning, essential for ensuring posthumous wishes are met, remains an area 70% of Canadians neglect. This deficiency largely stems from misconceptions, such as believing estate planning is only for the wealthy or thinking they’re too young to start.
Criminal Defence Law
By
Pace Law
In Ontario, adherence to driving regulations is critical for public safety, but violations occur, leading to criminal charges.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
Have you ever thought about estate planning and concluded it’s unnecessary because you don’t own any real estate?
Corporate and Personal Law
By
Pace Law
A Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) is an integral document used when the shares of a corporation are being purchased. The document outlines the agreement between the buyer and seller and can be quite complex.
Wills And Estates
By
Angela Barrientos
A will is a legal document that clearly states how a person’s property and belongings will be divided after their passing.

Get in Touch

Call us now or fill out the form to discuss your case with an experienced legal professional.

Our Locations

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Office Location

191 The West Mall, Suite 1100
Toronto, ON M9C 5K8
Phone: 1-877-236-3060
Fax: 416-236-1809

Scroll to Top