Electrician and contractors union concerned with plan
united-arab-emirates-danielle-smith.jpg
Economic Development Canada, the federal department that promotes economic growth in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, has raised concerns about the mission.
A spokesperson for Economic Development Canada for the Prairies relayed those concerns to Alberta's assistant deputy minister for immigration and multiculturalism.
"Scott, we would be happy to discuss the province's plans and priorities. My office will contact you to find a mutually convenient time," the assistant deputy minister wrote in a follow-up email to Crichton.
Crichton said the government told him it would meet with him to discuss the matter on Dec. 1. 5. However, he said the meeting was canceled on December 5 and postponed to December 11.
Advertisement
Crichton added that he was concerned that the government was using the temporary foreign worker program, which could limit wage increases in these positions. Prime Minister's Office Says It Has No Knowledge of Project
CBC News emailed Prime Minister Smith's office, as well as the Department of Immigration and Multiculturalism, seeking information about the mission.
They did not respond to specific questions about what qualifications the government is seeking or whether the trip is part of a broader effort to attract workers from other parts of the world.
"The prime minister is not aware of any upcoming recruitment mission, but we will review these concerns," spokeswoman Savannah Johannsen wrote in a statement.
"Alberta has experienced unsustainable levels of immigration due to federal government policies and we have advocated for more stable immigration policies.
"We believe Ottawa's priority should be to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers, international students and asylum seekers, not to reduce the number of economic migrants selected by the provinces.
[attachment deleted by admin]