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Temporary foreign worker application process is far too convoluted

I do not think I am saying anything new when I say we have a labour shortage here in Central Alberta.

I do not think I am saying anything new when I say we have a labour shortage here in Central Alberta.

What perhaps is not realized is that it appears the government of Canada would prefer to leave jobs vacant rather than filling them with willing and qualified workers from out of country.

After advertising locally for a farm position and receiving no qualified applicants, I then fill out the paper work to apply for a temporary foreign worker.

This is where I needed the patience of Job and the tenacity of a mule to make it through the whole process.

The government of Canada, and more specifically Employment and Social Development Canada, make it an ordeal to put in an application. The requirements are continually changing and they are not clear.

When you call the 1-800 number, they are unable to help as they can only help with generic questions.

When the application is sent in and there is something not quite right, you get a no reply email to make changes and submit a new application. Your original application and supporting documents are destroyed and you have to start from scratch. They purposely leave no file number, contact number or name to reply to.

After submitting my second application, rejected for a reason I do not understand, I was told to re-apply again.

I may have tenacity of a mule but I do not know if I have the patience of Job to deal with government policy designed to appease the eastern part of the country where there are no labour shortages.

The message to this employer is clear and unequivocal: the government of Canada has no interest in helping fill vacant jobs.

John Middel

Rocky Mountain House