A growing number of Alberta companies are turning to the Temporary Foreign Worker program for positions that many locals say they'd happily take. The postings have sparked frustration online, with residents questioning whether these businesses are genuinely struggling to hire or simply gaming the system.
The Jobs in Question
Several recent Labour Market Impact Assessment applications from Alberta businesses have raised eyebrows.
A moving company posted a Retail Manager position at $41.25 per hour. A bottle depot listed the same role at identical pay. A fast food franchise advertised for a Restaurant Manager between $36 and $37 hourly.
All three companies claimed they couldn't find qualified Canadian workers to fill these positions a requirement before employers can access the LMIA program to bring in temporary foreign workers.
Why People Are Skeptical
One posting drew particular attention because of what appears on the company's own website. They boast about offering "the highest industry compensation to support local growing families." Critics online were quick to point out the contradiction between that statement and seeking foreign labour.
At $41.25 per hour, a Retail Manager position works out to roughly $80,000 annually for full-time work. That's a solid middle-class salary in Alberta.
The restaurant management role at $36 to $37 per hour translates to around $70,000 yearly again, not exactly a wage that should have employers struggling to attract applicants in a province where many families are feeling the pinch.
How the System Works
The LMIA process exists to protect Canadian workers. Before hiring someone from abroad, employers must prove they made genuine efforts to recruit locally and that no qualified Canadians applied.
But critics argue some businesses treat the Canadian recruitment phase as a formality rather than a legitimate hiring effort. Ads might be posted in obscure locations, interviews might be conducted half-heartedly, or qualified applicants might simply never hear back.
The frustration has led to a grassroots response. Social media users have begun sharing these postings widely, encouraging qualified Canadians to apply and report any suspicious behaviour to Service Canada.
What You Can Do
Anyone qualified for these positions can apply directly through Job Bank Canada where the postings remain active.
If you apply and receive no response despite meeting the qualifications, Job Bank provides a reporting mechanism at the bottom of each posting. Service Canada investigates complaints about employers potentially misusing the LMIA system.
The Bigger Conversation
These individual postings reflect a broader tension in Canadian immigration and labour policy. The Temporary Foreign Worker program has faced criticism for years, with some arguing it allows employers to suppress wages and avoid investing in local talent.
Others counter that genuine labour shortages exist in certain sectors and regions, and the program fills necessary gaps.
Whatever side of that debate you fall on, one thing seems clear: Albertans are paying closer attention to who's hiring, how much they're offering, and whether the claim that "no Canadians want this job" actually holds up.
