Chamber updated on immigration pilot

Employment

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer

More information is becoming available as the Town of Claresholm prepares to participate in a rural immigration pilot project. At their Aug. 21 meeting, members of the Claresholm and District Chamber of Commerce were updated on the course of the pilot project by Brady Schnell, the town’s economic development officer. He explained he had his second conference call with the federal government and representatives of all the other communities participating in the program. He noted the program is for three years and is employment driven. Individuals need a job offer from an approved employer in town.

Once the job offer is validated, the second step is to get an endorsement from the Economic Development Committee based on experience and fit, relative to the community.

“Are they a good fit for the job?” Schnell said.

“Do they have a connection to the community.”

“We’ll be able to hand pick these individuals,” Schnell he added, and plug them in to the community.

The pilot will not start in Claresholm until January of 2020, as Claresholm is part of the second phase of the program. Already, more than 250 people have contacted the town plus individuals who have contacted businesses in town. Candidates must have at least one year within the last three years of related experience in the job. All skills have been broken down into various levels, with the English required related to the skill level. Schnell noted there is a financial component as well. Each candidate must have $8,700 in unrestricted funds of their own in an account, plus an additional $2,500 for each additional family member. They will not require social assistance. He also pointed out everyone has to have a credential from their home country.

“We’ll do our best to ensure a good fit,” Schnell said. Wages will have to be within the wage recommended by the Job Bank of Canada. On Nov. 9, the town is hosting a town hall event at the community centre on the immigration pilot project.