Three municipalities receive designation expected to help with labor shortage

The County of Grande Prairie, the town of Sexsmith and the town of Wembley received the joint designation for the Rural Renewal Stream program. This designation allows eligible businesses in these communities to participate in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. This program allows businesses to hire newcomers to full-time positions and nominate them for permanent residency, giving participants the chance to stay in the country. 

The program which is designed for communities with less than 100,00 residents, has been endorsed by the council, with employers that are willing to participate in the program. These businesses are expected to offer full-time jobs for at least one year, with competitive compensation and benefits. Newcomers who wish to apply for permanent residency through this program will work and live in the designated community and need the endorsement of the Economic Development Officer.