EDMONTON (660 NEWS) – The Alberta government announced it is limiting the number of temporary foreign worker applications in order to get more Albertans back to work.

Minister of Labour and Immigration Jason Copping said this move will free up to 1,350 jobs and will take effect on Nov. 1.

Labour/Immigration minister Jason Copping says it will free up 1350 jobs to get Albertans back to work.

Also reducing # through immigrant nominee program- drops 6250 down to 4000.

Remaining nominations will only be available to those living/working here. #yeG #yyc #ableg

— Courtney Theriault (@cspotweet) October 26, 2020

“We’ve heard loud and clear from our technology sector that access to skilled workers has been a challenge,” said Minister for Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer.

“This announcement is a big step towards addressing this talent gap, encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit of newcomers, and helping grow the companies that will diversify our economy.”

Copping said the UCP reached a deal with the federal government to refuse more than 800 labour market assessment applications adding that jobs that would have been filled by temporary foreign workers will be filled by local employees.

In January, the government will also launch the Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream to attract international graduates from top U.S. universities and colleges to start businesses and settle in Alberta communities.

“We are taking bold actions and delivering on our commitment to attract newcomers who will start businesses, invest, and create jobs for Albertans,” said Copping.

“These actions will help strengthen our economy and let us take advantage of untapped talent by making it easier for international graduates to put their ideas to work here in Alberta.”

The government is also reducing numbers through the immigrant nominee program from 6,250 to 4,000.

Remaining nominations will only be available to those who are living and working in Alberta.

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