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CRFA's Courtney Donovan (far right) joins federal Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Monte Solberg (second from left), Saskatchwan's Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Rob Norris (second from right) and CRFA Director Don Richardson (far left) at the announcement of Saskatchewan's expanded Immigrant Nominee Program. |
(Aug. 12/08) Recognizing the growing labour shortages in the foodservice and hospitality industries, Saskatchewan has expanded its Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to include hotel housekeeping staff and food and beverage servers on temporary work permits.
This pilot project will make it possible for temporary foreign workers in the hospitality sector to apply for nomination for permanent residency. To apply, the employee must have a minimum of six months of work experience with an approved employer in Saskatchewan.
“We’re very pleased that the provincial and federal governments are taking steps to address the acute labour shortage in foodservice and hospitality,” says Courtney Donovan, CRFA’s Vice President for Manitoba-Saskatchewan.
“We’re dealing with a people shortage, not just a skills shortage. Programs like the one announced today contribute to continued investment and job creation by hospitality operators in Saskatchewan.”
To be approved for the SINP, employers will be required to meet Service Canada criteria, such as offering wages within industry norms and demonstrating that they are unable to fill the positions locally. Employers must also submit a recruitment and settlement plan.
In Saskatchewan, more than 32,200 people – or 6.4% of the provincial workforce – are employed in the foodservice industry, according to Statistics Canada. An additional 2,700 foodservice industry employees will be needed by 2015, according to labour market studies. In 2007, Saskatchewan was Canada’s fastest-growing foodservice market.
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