Alberta government cancels U.A.E. foreign worker recruitment trip

The Alberta government has decided to cancel a foreign worker recruiting trip to the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement from the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen. 

"Earlier this week we became aware that a potential recruitment mission to the U.A.E. was being considered and that planning was underway by officials within the department of Immigration and Multiculturalism," reads the statement.

"I have reviewed the mission purpose and at this time have decided not to pursue it further." 

CBC News reported on Friday that the ministry was planning to recruit skilled workers from the U.A.E. as part of a 2025 international recruitment mission, tentatively scheduled for the end of February or for early March.

A one-page document shared with CBC News by Local 424 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents more than 4,000 electricians in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, outlined that the mission would allow the province to access a large pool of migrant workers who are "extensively vetted", with a "high level of English proficiency". 

It also said that the Alberta government said it would support venue arrangements, promotion of job opportunities, interview logistics, informational workshops and travel recommendations for employers.

Instead of carrying out the trip as planned, Yaseen said his ministry will "continue to explore alternative options to address skilled labour shortages in key sectors of our market." 

Scott Crichton, a spokesperson with Local 424 who had shared reservations about the mission with the provincial government, said he's glad their perspective was taken into account. 

"I'm guessing that when people had a chance to voice their concerns related to bringing in temporary foreign workers from overseas, given the unemployment rate right now, perhaps the government had a chance to reflect on this might not be the best time to do such a trade mission," said Crichton on Sunday. 

"And perhaps that there are other groups that they could work with in the province to help fill skilled labour demands."

He added that he remains committed to working with the government to help fill skilled labour demands with electricians and electrical apprentices. 

While Crichton had a meeting scheduled with the government to discuss the trade mission on Dec. 11, he said no one from the ministry told him the trip was cancelled. 

Last week, a spokesperson from the office of the Premier said they weren't aware of the recruitment trip.