helping operators navigate the workforce crisis
BCHA is leading workforce recovery efforts, cultivating strategic partnerships and resources to help employers access international and
domestic workers, upskill and retain staff, and to understand best practices in recruiting - saving you time and money
domestic workers, upskill and retain staff, and to understand best practices in recruiting - saving you time and money
Need workforce support? Enter: ALISON LANGFORD!
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Today's labour recruitment market is incredibly competitive, and navigating international and domestic recruitment options can be both confusing and challenging. But don't fret; there is help available!
Meet Alison Langford, BCHA's Workforce Strategist and dedicated expert in international and domestic recruitment. All BCHA members are eligible for a complimentary recruiting consultation with Alison. During your one-on-one session, Alison will review your workforce needs and discuss options available to support your hiring efforts. Should you be struggling with where to start with your recruiting efforts or simply want to learn more about this complex space, book your session with Alison today. Contact | alison@bcha.com. Learn more about Alison. |
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WHAT ALISON CAN HELP YOU WITH.
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Programs & partners
While there are many recruitment programs and resources for employers, not all will be suited to your business. The BCHA has carefully vetted and established partnerships that will support the best interests of BC accommodators and their employees.
EXPLORE RECRUITMENT AVENUES BELOW | QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALISON LANGFORD ALISON@BCHA.COM
EXPLORE RECRUITMENT AVENUES BELOW | QUESTIONS? CONTACT ALISON LANGFORD ALISON@BCHA.COM
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
There are 3 streams available when applying for a LMIA:
- Low Wage/ Semi-skilled:
- This stream is for positions that are identified by NOC code C and D. Job offers must meet the regional prevailing wage rate.
- Typical positions used for this LMIA are light duty cleaners, launderers, front desk clerks, servers
- Worker(s) do not have to be selected at time of submission, they can be added after the LMIA is approved
- Work permits issued for 2 years
- This stream is for positions that are identified by NOC code C and D. Job offers must meet the regional prevailing wage rate.
- Permanent Residence:
- This stream is for positions identified by NOC 0, A and B- skilled positions. Job offers must meet the regional prevailing wage rate.
- Typical positions for this LMIA are Cooks, Sous chefs, Chefs, Executive Housekeepers, Food Service Managers
- Worker(s) must be named on the LMIA at time of submission. Worker cannot be changed after submission
- Requirement for using this LMIA is that employer will support workers to apply for their permanent residency when eligible
- Work permits issued for 2 years
- This stream is for positions identified by NOC 0, A and B- skilled positions. Job offers must meet the regional prevailing wage rate.
- High Wage:
- Typical positions for this stream are usually skilled positions but can be used for any position so long as the wage meets the prevailing Provincial wage rate.
- Worker(s) do not have to be selected at time of submission, they can be added after the LMIA is approved
- Work permits issued for 2 years
RECENT CHANGES TO LMIA PROGRAM | AS OF SPRING 2022
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- Accommodation and Food Services are now among seven sectors in which employers will be allowed to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the TFW Program for low-wage positions for one year.
- The policy that automatically refuses LMIA applications in regions with unemployment rate of 6% or higher has ended.
- Addressing seasonal peaks, there will no longer be a limit to the number of low-wage positions that employers in seasonal industries. In addition, the maximum duration of these positions will be increased from 180 days to 270 days per year.
- Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA’s) will be valid for 18 months, an increase from 9 months. (Prior to COVID-19, LMIA’s were valid for 6 months).
- The maximum duration of employment for High-Wage and Global Talent Streams workers will be extended to three years. This will help workers qualify for permanent residency, contributing to our long-term workforce.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Finding employment for refugees | TALENT BEYOND BOUNDARIES
The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) was created to help skilled refugees immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs to support Canadian labour market needs.
The following requirements must be met to qualify:
The BCHA has partnered with the team at Talent Beyond Boundaries. TBB matches skilled refugees with companies in need of their skills, helping employers gain valuable talent and supporting displaced people to rebuild their careers and lives.
In addition, the BCHA is currently working closely with the provincial government to advocate for changes to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to create a new pathway for refugees to gain permanent residency in Canada.
The following requirements must be met to qualify:
- You’re a convention or country of asylum refugee
- Eligible for one of the following economic immigration programs:
The BCHA has partnered with the team at Talent Beyond Boundaries. TBB matches skilled refugees with companies in need of their skills, helping employers gain valuable talent and supporting displaced people to rebuild their careers and lives.
In addition, the BCHA is currently working closely with the provincial government to advocate for changes to the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to create a new pathway for refugees to gain permanent residency in Canada.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Experience Canada provides the opportunity to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. There are three separate streams available that include Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (internship). Canada has an agreement with 38 visa-exempt countries, so citizens of those countries have a streamlined process to be eligible to work in Canada.
The most utilized of these streams is the Working-holiday permit, which is particularly popular among younger adults. This permit, allows workers to freely work and travel in Canada. Permits are typically issued for one year, but some countries allow for more than one opportunity to participate if the person reapplies under a different stream.
Application submissions are most often handled by the worker, but some may choose to work with Recognized Organizations (ROs) to assist with their applications—an example of such an organization is the Students Work Abroad Program (SWAP).
Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, job seekers are not required to remain with a single employer for the duration of their permit, and as a result, these programs are often very popular among those seeking seasonal workers.
The most utilized of these streams is the Working-holiday permit, which is particularly popular among younger adults. This permit, allows workers to freely work and travel in Canada. Permits are typically issued for one year, but some countries allow for more than one opportunity to participate if the person reapplies under a different stream.
Application submissions are most often handled by the worker, but some may choose to work with Recognized Organizations (ROs) to assist with their applications—an example of such an organization is the Students Work Abroad Program (SWAP).
Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, job seekers are not required to remain with a single employer for the duration of their permit, and as a result, these programs are often very popular among those seeking seasonal workers.
Francophone mobility program
The Francophone Mobility Program is an initiative of the Government of Canada which facilitates work permits for skilled Francophone foreign nationals. As the program’s aim is to encourage growth of French-speaking communities across Canada, candidates must be French-speaking, although it doesn’t have to be their primary language.
Candidates must also secure employment in a “skilled position” which includes work in managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trades occupations. Work permits are valid for two years and employers are required to submit an online offer of employment, paying a $230 fee.
The BCHA has partnered with Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) to focus on finding hospitality experienced candidates.
Candidates must also secure employment in a “skilled position” which includes work in managerial, professional, technical, or skilled trades occupations. Work permits are valid for two years and employers are required to submit an online offer of employment, paying a $230 fee.
The BCHA has partnered with Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) to focus on finding hospitality experienced candidates.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows international students who have recently graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions to obtain an open work permit in Canada. The duration of each permit depends on the length of the graduate’s studies.
The PGWPP is often a pathway to permanent residency, leading to opportunities for long-term employment, and as the student is responsible for applying, there are no added costs to the employer.
The PGWPP is often a pathway to permanent residency, leading to opportunities for long-term employment, and as the student is responsible for applying, there are no added costs to the employer.
REcruiting International Students
Similar to the PGWPP program, employers may also wish to explore recruitment efforts with international students looking to secure part-time employment. Although employing international students may also lead to longer employment once the employee is finished school, they are only able to work 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays while in school.
BC PNP Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker category of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a way for workers in a professional, management, technical, trade or other skilled occupation to gain permanent residence in BC. While associated fees with this program are paid by the employee, the employer must support recruitment requirements for employee applications. Nominations are based on a point system and draws are done monthly.
International Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
International Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) contain provisions to facilitate, on a reciprocal basis, temporary entry for businesspersons to work within Canada—an example of this is the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement. Eligible persons entering under an FTA will generally require a work permit and there is a $230 fee that is paid by the employer. While FTAs provide a streamlined employment for foreign workers, eligible occupation categories can often be limited and frequently change.
Mobilize Jobs: In-Canada Workers
Mobilize Jobs is a national employment program for Canadians looking to work and travel within Canada, and places workers on rotational placements each summer and winter, supplying businesses with a continuous supply of employees. While this program offers a fast-track solution to our domestic workforce, there are fees attached to the process and employers are required to provide accommodation. The BCHA is working directly with Mobilize Jobs to connect local accommodators with individuals from this program.
Hotel Operation Services Skills Training Project
In an effort to grow interest in the hospitality sector and support upskilling and training the BCHA has partnered with Western Community College (WCC) and Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), to offer the Hotel Operation Services Skills Training project, which provides fully funded training to unemployed and underemployed individuals from the Metro Vancouver area. The project targets individuals with some industry experience and focuses on readying candidates for meaningful work in the industry with the opportunity for students to connect directly with our members following the completion of the program.
Integral Services Group (Contract Workers)
In recognition of critical staffing shortages, BCHA Premier Partner, Integral Services Group, began offering outsourced staffing services in 2020 to support accommodators in meeting their labour needs. With a wide network of professionals and skilled workers, Integral works directly with employers to streamline operations and provide staffing plans.
