2018 is a year when we are seeing the highest employment levels in parts of Canada since 2008. British Columbia and Ontario are seeing very high employment of management and skilled trades and many companies are starting to consider international hiring after months of being unable to hire Canadians.
The federal government continues to allow companies to hire high wage employees through the Labour Market Information Assessment program, the Global Talent Stream, the International Mobility Program, NAFTA, the Provincial Nominee Programs, and Francophone Destination Canada.
None of these programs are easy, cheap or bring better results than hiring and training Canadians. A robust recruitment and retention strategy (workforce planning) is something that few companies do but are essential before turning to internationally trained workers.
The days of throwing an advertisement up on Indeed, the Job Bank or Craigslist and having talent issues taken care of are long gone. To hire Canadians, a program of outreach and marketing and targeted recruitment are needed. Offering relocation and training of people who are close to doing the job are needed.
When these systems fall down, NAFTA and Canada’s other free trade deals are the best route for hiring but are out of reach for most employers due to the small number of professions that can be hired. Next is the International Mobility Programs which allow young professionals to work in Canada. But with employment levels in the UK, Ireland and much of the world at the same levels as Canada, many employers are turning to the LMIA process.
The old LMO Labour Market Opinion—now the LMIA process—is a more robust, rigorous and expensive program for hiring Temporary Foreign Workers. Companies have to do everything they can to hire Canadians now and in the future, document it, and guarantee to deliver on their promises to hire Canadians in the future.
Thankfully these changes ensure Canadians will get the first shot at jobs, apprenticeships and training in Canada!
Kael Campbell is President and Lead Recruiter of Red Seal Recruiting Solutions, a company providing recruitment services in mining, equipment and plant maintenance, utilities, manufacturing, construction, and transportation. When he is not recruiting, Kael spends as much time as possible with family in the great outdoors and on the water. He volunteers his time as a Board Member of the Entrepreneurs Organization of Victoria and a Member of Victoria Marine Search and Rescue. You are invited to subscribe to our employer newsletter or submit your resume.