The federal government is now making it easier for businesses to hire foreign workers.
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley announced in Nisku Wednesday that businesses will be able to receive an accelerated labour market opinion within 10 business days to hire temporary foreign workers in high-skill occupations, including the skilled trades.
The changes, including a simplified online application come into effect Wednesday. It's welcome news for industries dealing with a shortage of skilled trade employees.
"We have service facilities and manufacturing facilities that are not able to deliver these products to our customers on time. This program will help us import skill trades that will allow us to actually increase our manufacturing capability, and our service capability," said Rod Buchhorn, Vice-President of Human Resources at Advance Engineered Products Ltd.
The minister estimates Canada hires between 100 and 150,000 foreign workers every year. Finley expects that number could triple with the new changes to the program.
With files from Veronica Jubinville
