RATIONALE / PURPOSE FOR RESOLUTION:
BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Alberta Beekeepers Commission work with all appropriate parties (provincial & national commodity groups, national agriculture labour organizations) to request Service Canada bring changes to the Ag Stream Program which would allow transfers between approved employers within a time frame similar to those presently enjoyed under the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program.
RESOLUTION BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Agriculture Stream was introduced to allow Agriculture Employers access to Temporary Foreign Workers who would not fall under the terms the Seasonal Agriculture Worker Program; country of origin, length of stay, etc. Service Canada has stated on several occasions they would like to bring the two Programs as close as possible. This is an area of glowing difference. Some producers may find themselves short of staff, while others have too many. Under SAWP a transfer can usually take place in less than a month. Under Ag Stream it usually takes several months.
An Ag Stream temporary foreign worker can work for a new employer provided the worker agrees. The employer applies and receives a positive LMIA from Service Canada. The temporary foreign worker must then apply for a work permit specific to the new employer. All of the preceding steps must be filled prior to a temporary foreign worker beginning employment with a new employer.