County of Barrhead

1. Increased Processing Times

• Backlog of applications waiting for Government of Alberta approval (currently approx. 7 month backlog).
• AAIP is changing their application process and has paused accepting more nomination applications until September 30, 2024
• After Sept 30, AAIP is moving to "expression of interest (EOI)” format:
• Candidates submit an EOI and are placed in a selection pool.  AAIP then ranks candidate EOIs on a number of categories and invites select candidates to apply.
• This new process may further delay the existing +7 month wait time for employers to get new workers, or in some cases completely eliminate the possibility of candidates being selected to apply. 

2. Affordability & Long-Term Growth

• Many positions requested under Barrhead’s Rural Renewal Stream tend to be for low-wage & entry-level positions. 
• If candidates cannot afford to live in Barrhead (a requirement of the program) under the wage they are paid, they are likely to only stay for a short time before moving on to other opportunities.  This does not support our goal of attracting long-term residents. 
• Additionally, the Federal Government’s recent announcement to limit low-wage temporary foreign worker streams will further reduce the ability for our local employers to get a TFW that can start work while their Rural Renewal application is processing.

• Endorsement Letters requested prior to August 30, 2024 will remain in our queue.
• However, employers should be aware that under AAIP’s new EOI format, it may be months before their candidate is selected to apply for nomination, if at all.
• No new employer or candidate applications will be considered until further notice.
• We will continue to monitor the provincial Rural Renewal program and local workforce needs.  If feasible, Barrhead may consider accepting more endorsement letter requests in the future.