Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - February 2009
The Alberta government has sparked heavy criticism for spending money to recruit workers in Germany when the economic slump has forced many Canadians into unemployment.
Representatives from the province will be attending job fairs next month in Essen and Leipzig. However, instead of being joined by up to 20 employers desperate for skilled workers, as was often the case in recent years, the government (which will instead be joined by only one employer) will be changing its recruitment message to one of less urgency.
“We’ll be talking about keeping Alberta on the radar,” said a spokesperson for Alberta Employment and Immigration. “If you’re thinking of moving for work, maybe not this year, certainly keep us in mind.”
However, critics in opposing parties are upset that the government is spending money on the trip while thousands of workers in Alberta, and the rest of the country are being laid off.
The government defended its position, saying that the current economic situation does not trump Alberta’s long-term needs and goals. Over the next decade, some 400,000 new jobs will be created, according to some estimates, and immigration will be a vital labour source.
Source: Calgary Herald
