The provincial government says there has been “overwhelming interest” in a new immigration stream benefiting Alberta’s hospitality industry since it started March 1.
The Alberta government wants to more than double the size of the tourism economy by 2035 and has given the industry its own dedicated immigration stream.
It’s aimed at temporary foreign workers who are already working in the tourism industry and want to stay in Canada permanently.
Temporary foreign workers will be eligible if they’ve worked in tourism and hospitality for at least six months and have a permanent job offer from an employer.
“I know that the intake was overwhelmed with applications in its first day, which to me suggests a lot of demand,” said Tracy Douglas-Blowers, president of the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association.
“We also know there are a number of workers who came to Alberta either through the…