The Lethbridge Rural Renewal Program will allow eligible workers to immigrate to Alberta as a provincial nominee, with the support of the municipal government. (File photo: Rochelle Sciortino)

By Justin Goulet

New program launched to address Lethbridge labour market needs

May 26, 2023 | 11:05 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new program aims to help Lethbridge businesses find qualified workers.

Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) has obtained a community designation for the City of Lethbridge under the Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

The Lethbridge Rural Renewal Program will allow eligible workers to immigrate to Alberta as a provincial nominee, with the support of the municipal government.

Officials with EDL noted this should help employers meet labour force needs while fast-tracking Permanent Resident applications for eligible candidates who get an offer of employment.

The program will be administered by EDL with oversight from the Community Partnership Council. The council is comprised of EDL, the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, Lethbridge Family Services, the Lethbridge Construction Association, and Flexibility Learning Systems.

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Adriana Mercader, CEO of Flexahopper Plastics said, “The Lethbridge Rural Renewal Program will offer approved employers the ability to seek out non-permanent residents to fill labour gaps in eligible occupations within designated industries.”

Mercader added, “This program is another avenue for businesses like ours, in the manufacturing sector, to offer jobs to qualified candidates and possibly provide them with a pathway to permanent residency here in Lethbridge. It’s a win-win situation ideally for both the employer and candidate.”

Business in Lethbridge, in the sectors of manufacturing, construction, and engineering (architectural engineering and related services) can apply to the Lethbridge Rural Renewal Community Partnership to become an approved employer. Once the business is approved, it can submit employment opportunities to the Partnership, which will then approve or deny the job submission. If approved, the position will be posted on the Lethbridge Rural Renewal Program Job Board. Qualified candidates can then apply.

Officials noted the initiative is designed for non-resident candidates who are looking to obtain residency in Lethbridge. Additionally, Candidates will need to have experience working in Canada in specific jobs and occupations.

Mike Prociw, program Supervisor Workforce Initiatives with EDL said, ““The data from the previous couple Brighter Together Business Surveys has indicated a need to focus on labour and workforce concerns raised by our business community.”

“The number one concern when businesses were asked ‘What do they need help with’ was assistance with acquiring employees. The Rural Renewal Community Partnership was formed to address this concern and help fill designated roles for approved businesses in the City of Lethbridge.”

More information about the program is available online.

READ MORE: Lethbridge business owners optimistic heading into 2023: survey

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