At certain times of the year, Canada sees an influx of workers. Normally, during the summer, immigrants head up here to take advantage of numerous job openings that occur seasonally. However, if Canadian lawmakers have anything to say about it, this might not happen with such frequency anymore, as they intend to tighten restrictions on international workers.
This change directly affects companies. Not only might they want to extend their help wanted ads to others to make up for a potential lack of seasonal staffers, but they definitely need to be apprised of the developments to make sure they’re always compliant with federal and provincial laws.
ALMO suspended immediately
One of the first things business owners need to know is the fact that lawmakers in Ottawa suspended the Accelerated Labour Market Opinion (ALMO) process, The Globe and Mail reported. This initiative generally allowed employers to find and hire foreign workers quickly with little opposition while making it legal to pay such individuals up to 15 percent less than others in the area, as long as this stipulation was also extended to locals.
Hiring international workers can be the catalyst smaller companies need to get their business off the ground. CBC News reported that hiring these workers can often allow a profit to be made easier, which can benefit the local economy, the firm and eventually the workers themselves.
This opportunity also allows foreign workers to become more familiar with the nation and use jobs to advance themselves, the news source explained. These positions can often lead to applications for permanent residency.
Real effect on owners
Many small business owners aren’t thrilled about the restrictions this places on their companies. Representatives from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have already come out as opposing the measures, The Globe and Mail reported. Leaders of the Alberta government noted that depriving the local economy of a sizeable volume of workers might have harsh, long-lasting effects on provinces’ financial landscapes.
Labor groups and other locals, however, have noted the benefits and claim that reducing the number of seasonal employees will solve regional unemployment and allow Canadians to get the first chance at filling nearby positions.
Moreover, some companies won’t actually be affected by these new developments. According to The Globe and Mail, businesses involved in agriculture won’t have to abide by the rules because of a shortage of local workers.
