Whitecourt town council is taking steps to help address local labour needs in the community.
On Aug. 15, 2022, council accepted a Designated Community Update for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), which aims to support the attraction and retention of newcomers and workforce development needs.
The Town recently received the designation from the Government of Alberta to participate in the AAIP following a proposal submitted by the Economic Development Committee in April.
Whitecourt mayor Tom Pickard says the community has local industries that are seeking skilled labour.
“This is another avenue for our town and our economic development to assist linking our labour need with people that are looking for work and possess those skills.”
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is described as an economic immigration program that nominates individuals for permanent residence in Alberta. Under this program, the Town of Whitecourt expects to support economic development by attracting newcomers that are qualified to fill vacant, full-time, permanent positions in the community and attract entrepreneurs, new investment, and new businesses.
The Rural Renewal Stream, meanwhile, offers eligible workers an opportunity to immigrate to Whitecourt with the formal support of the Town of Whitecourt through a nomination process. The
program will be used to attract and retain newcomers and support employers to fill vacancies. Officials say this is hoped to support workforce development by helping employers meet labour demands, expand a skilled workforce and support community and economic growth.
The AAIP also provides an opportunity under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream to offer permanent residency to entrepreneurs who want to start a new business or invest in an existing business. Officials acknowledge an Expression of Interest has been submitted to the program for Whitecourt to be eligible under the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. The program is anticipated to provide an opportunity to help expand the local economy and assist with succession planning for the local business community.
Visit the Business Support Services page on the Town of Whitecourt website for more information.
