(Lethbridge News Now file photo)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

BILL 49

Alberta shortening times for workers to have credentials recognized when moving to province

Oct 26, 2021 | 6:23 AM

Canadians with professional credentials who are looking to move to Alberta will soon have an easier time with doing so.

The Alberta Government has introduced Bill 49, the Labour Mobility Act (LMA), which would set deadlines of 20 business days for regulatory authorities to register decisions on complete applications.

It would also make other changes to recognize the credentials and training of out-of-province certified workers including requiring documentation and fees to be available on a publicly accessible website and requiring appeals processes for internally reviewing applications.

Labour and Immigration Minister Tyler Shandro says, by streamlining and standardizing these processes, Alberta will be more attractive to skilled workers.

“Now more than ever, we need to remove barriers that prevent the free flow of Canadian talent from bringing their skills and their businesses to Alberta. This announcement is a key part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, designed to recruit skilled Canadian certified workers to our province to support economic growth and create jobs that benefit future generations of Albertans.”

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According to the provincial government, the LMA will apply to more than 100 regulated occupations in Alberta. A full list can be found near the bottom of this article.

A 2020 report from the C.D Howe Institute adds that, by reducing the costs of labour mobility by $500 per person per year, the province could attract roughly 20,000 additional workers annually.

If that were to be the case, they say up to $2.8 billion per year could be added to the provincial economy.

Labour mobility is an issue that David MacLean, Vice President of the Alberta and Saskatchewan Canadian Manufacturers and Exports, is all too familiar with.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Alberta businesses is attraction and retention of workers – including skilled workers and trades. Economic growth and diversification hinges on the ability of employers to acquire the people they need, when they need them. By reducing red tape and adding increased accountability and transparency, the proposed Labour Mobility Act gives a needed boost to businesses struggling to bring essential workers to the province.”

Occupations that will be impacted by the Labour Mobility Act include:

Alberta Health

• Acupuncturists
• Audiologists
• Speech Language Pathologists
• Chiropractors
• Laboratory and X-Ray Technicians
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Technologists
• Dentists
• Denturists
• Dietitians
• Hearing Aid Practitioners
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Midwives
• Naturopathic Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Opticians
• Optometrists
• Pharmacists
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Physicians and Surgeons
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Registered Nurses
• Registered Psychiatric Nurse
• Respiratory Therapists
• Social Workers

Alberta Justice and Solicitor General

• Lawyers
• Locksmith
• Private Investigator
• Security Worker

Alberta Education

• Teachers

Alberta Children’s Services

• Early Childhood Educator

Alberta Labour and Immigration

• Agrologists
• Agrology Technologists
• Architects
• Licensed Interior Designers
• Professional Engineers
• Professional Geologists
• Chartered Professional Accountants
• Forest Technologists
• Registered Professional Foresters
• Land Agent
• Land Surveyors
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary Technologists
• Audiometric Technicians
• Asbestos Workers
• Pulmonary Function Technicians
• First Aiders
• Non-Mining Blasters
• Surface Blasters
• Certified Management Consultants
• Landscape Architects
• Professional Chemists
• Professional Biologists
• Accredited Municipal Assessors
• Home Economists
• Information Systems Professional
• Local Government Manager
• Registered Professional Planners
• School Business Officials
• Shorthand Reporter
• Supply Chain Management Professional
• Consulting Engineer
• Electrical Contractor

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

• Timber Scaler

Alberta Environment and Parks

• Composting Facility Operator
• Hunting and Fishing Guides
• Landfill Operator
• Pesticide Operator
• Water and/or Wastewater Operator

Alberta Municipal Affairs

• Master Electricians
• Building Operator A & B
• Fireman
• Fired Process Heater Operator
• Inspectors
• Power Engineers
• Pressure Welders
• Special Boiler Operators
• Special Oilwell Operators
• Steam Traction Engine Operator
• Private System Sewage Installers

Alberta Service Alberta

• Automotive Sales Person
• Collectors/Collection Agents
• Home Inspectors
• Funeral Directors/Embalmers
• Pre-Needs Sales Person
• Mortgage Broker
• Real Estate Professional

Alberta Transportation

• Driver Examiner
• Driver Instructor
• Vehicle Inspection Technician

Alberta Treasury Board and Finance

• Horse Jockeys/Horse Racing Standard Bred Drivers
• Accident & Sickness Agent
• General Insurance Agent
• Insurance Adjustors
• Life Insurance Agent
• Independent Insurance Agent
• Advising Representative
• Associate Advising Representative
• Chief Compliance Officer
• Dealing Representative
• Ultimate Designated Person

Legitimate Objective Occupations

• Medical Radiation Diagnostic Technologists
• Dental Hygienists
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Paramedics
• Podiatrists
• Water Well Driller
• Safety Codes Officer

NDP Critic for Labour Christina Gray issued the following statement in response to the government’s introduction of Bill 49, the Labour Mobility Act:

“Today’s introduction of Bill 49 is an attempt by the UCP to conceal the fact that their government has been driving skilled professionals out of the province since taking office.

“The UCP’s war on healthcare workers, their lack of an affordable child care deal for growing families, and their backwards curriculum have made Alberta a less desirable place to live and work under the Kenney government.

“Rising household costs like auto insurance and utility bills, which have soared under the UCP, are also deterring young families from coming to Alberta.

“Overall, I am supportive of attracting workers to Alberta. However, the government has not provided any information to us about the bill as of yet, and I will need to consult with stakeholders immediately.”