Saskatchewan introduces pilot project for occupations within the hospitality and foodservice sector

The Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program (SINP), in consultation with the Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association (SHHA) and the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA), has recently introduced a new pilot project to address labour challenges faced by the hospitality and foodservices industry in Saskatchewan.

The Hospitality Sector Project will allow employers in the hospitality and foodservices industry to select qualifying foreign workers to be considered for provincial nomination that are currently working in Saskatchewan in one of the following categories: Food/Beverage Server (NOC 6453); Food Counter Attendant/Kitchen Helper (NOC 6641); or Housekeeping/Cleaning Staff (NOC 6661) for a minimum of six (6) months on a temporary work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), supported by Service Canada's (SC) Temporary Foreign Worker labor market confirmation.

Under the Saskatchewan PNP Hospitality Sector Project, workers in the categories listed must first begin working in Saskatchewan for an approved Saskatchewan employer on a temporary foreign work permit. If an approved business offers the worker permanent employment, after a minimum of 6 months employment, then he/she may apply to the SINP for permanent resident status. Applicants must have a minimum of Grade 12 education (or equivalent) and the necessary English language abilities to continue to work in their occupation.

To be approved, employers are required to meet Service Canada criteria. For example, they must offer wages within industry norms and demonstrate that they are unable to fill the positions locally. Employers must also submit a recruitment and settlement plan to the SINP.

In addition to the Hospitality Sector Project, the Saskatchewan PNP has specific categories for foreign skilled workers, international students, family members who are overseas, health professionals, long-haul truck drivers, farmers, and entrepreneurs. The province has set a target of 2,800 nominations under the SINP for 2008-2009, an 85 per cent increase over this year’s target of 1,500.

After the evaluation of pilot project, based on a number of criteria and factors, additional allocations may be made available.