Town looks to tackle labour shortages with Rural Renewal Immigration Stream

Bonnyville is taking steps to try and help businesses get the workers they need.

They have formally submitted an application to the province’s Rural Renewal Immigration Stream program, which looks to attract newcomers and fill labour shortages. 

“We’re finding that a lot of the retail businesses, especially when we think of hospitality, restaurants, they are struggling to find labour,” said Mayor Elisa Brosseau on The Morning After.

“This is a new program from the Government of Alberta. But the onus is on the municipality to take the lead.” 

Not only does this give newcomers the opportunity to get a job, it also provides a path to permanent Canadian residency.

Town council discussed submitting this application at last Tuesday’s council meeting. It’s been a program that has seen uptake locally. Both St. Paul and Cold Lake have been designated so far.

“Council was 100 per cent behind this. When we talk about the economy starting to ramp up here in the town of Bonnyville, we’re already seeing shortages. So I think this is a great way for us to come to bat for our businesses,” said Brosseau. 

If approved, Town staff, specifically the economical development office, would work with employers to attract, recruit, and retain newcomers by sharing information on settlement supports.

However, if the Town doesn’t endorse the individual brought to them by the employer, they won’t be included.

A separate program was established by the province specifically to attract entrepreneurs.