EMPLOYER GUIDE. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

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1 EMPLOYER GUIDE Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

2 EMPLOYER GUIDE STEPS FOR HIRING LIAISING WITH THE PROVINCE ARRIVAL AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT COACHING SUPPORT LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT CULTURAL COMPETENCY FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMMING 2 AIPP Employer Guide Y Newcomer Connections

3 AIPP The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project (AIPP) is an employer-driven immigration initiative designed to recruit and retain global skill, diversify population growth and address labour shortages across the Maritimes. Under the AIPP, employers are encouraged to connect new employees and their families with local settlement services, and language and job training opportunities, in order to promote their long-term retention and success in the Atlantic Provinces. Employers are also encouraged to foster cultural competency in the workplace. The YMCA of Greater Saint John has been serving newcomers for 25 years, through the Y Newcomer Connections Department. We house the largest settlement team in the region, with more than 40 staff from around the globe. We are authorized and ready to help employers navigate the new AIPP system and continue to grow our local population. For more information, contact: Jazmine Belyea Client Intake Liaison P: E: aipp@saintjohny.com saintjohny.com/newcomerconnections AIPP Employer Guide 3

4 Growth STEPS FOR HIRING How to hire an individual under the AIPP: 1. The employer completes and sends an Expression of Interest Form to the Province of NB; 2. The employer establishes a relationship with a settlement service provider (like the YMCA) and applies to the Province for designation by completing the Employer Designation Application Form; 3. The employer becomes designated by the Province; 4. The employer identifies an international job candidate (living abroad or already in Canada) and makes them a job offer; 5. The candidate and his/her family complete a needs assessment with a designated settlement service provider; 6. The employer submits a copy of the candidate s completed needs assessment, along with an endorsement application, to the Province; 7. The Province endorses the candidate; 8. The employer works with the local settlement service provider to settle the newcomer and his/her family into the community. 4 AIPP Employer Guide Y Newcomer Connections

5 Job Candidates Residing in Canada can contact the Y Newcomer Connections department directly to obtain the required needs assessment (free of charge). Candidates must then provide a copy of the assessment to their prospective employer. Job Candidates Residing Overseas must first contact 1 of 5 designated pre-arrival service providers for their needs assessment: YMCA of Greater Toronto - Next Stop Canada S.U.C.C.E.S.S - Active Engagement and Integration Program Fédération Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse www. Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) Planning for Canada saintjohny.com/newcomerconnections AIPP Employer Guide 5

6 Diversity LIAISING WITH THE PROVINCE The YMCA of Greater Saint John has long-standing relationships with both the federal and provincial governments in the area of newcomer services. We receive weekly updates from the Province about the AIPP and work to expedite the needs assessment and endorsement processes. We also aim to keep employers informed of any updates or changes under the AIPP program, and to keep communication clear, open and hassle-free. Our ultimate goal is to build community and we commit to working with both the employer and the candidate leading up to and after the newcomer s arrival. Once your new employee has arrived, we have a designated member of our Settlement Team ready to help them get settled. 6 AIPP Employer Guide Y Newcomer Connections

7 ARRIVAL AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT Under the AIPP, employers are responsible for the safe transport, arrival and reception of employees and their families once they land in Canada. Our team helps welcome over 1000 newcomers every year, and can share best practices with employers, including: Workplace preparation seminars Pre-arrival check-lists and toolkits Welcome handbooks Access to community guides Access to interpretation and translation services COACHING SUPPORT Feeling unsure? The Y has a wealth of experience serving newcomers under a variety of immigration streams and we have developed a number of best practices and tools proven to help foster welcoming communities and workplaces. We can provide knowledge-based resources, consulting services, and coaching support designed to help employers become champions of growth, diversity and inclusion. saintjohny.com/newcomerconnections AIPP Employer Guide 7

8 Connections LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT Strong language skills are critical to the successful integration and retention of newcomers across the community, and especially in the workforce. The federal government assesses English-language proficiency using the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. Under the AIPP, a prospective employee must have an English score of CLB 5, or equivalent. Should a prospective employee have a score of CLB 4, the employer must guarantee that the employee will be allowed to attend a minimum of 300 hours of language instruction, until the employee reaches a CLB 5 level. Family members of a prospective employee do not need to speak any English to be admitted under the AIPP. 8 AIPP Employer Guide Y Newcomer Connections

9 At Y Newcomer Connections, we offer a number of language supports, including: The coordination of CLB Placement Tests Classroom-based English-language instruction, according to the CLB curriculum Our in-house English school delivers the federal Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. We have over 20 qualified teaching staff dedicated to delivering the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) curriculum. This program is free for permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older. Sector-specific, pre-employment training (module-based) We periodically offer 10-week modules designed to equip newcomers with the language and workplace skills they ll need to work in specific sectors, such as: childcare, hospitality and tourism, and facilities maintenance. The module includes a volunteer work placement, and newcomers have a high success rate obtaining employment after having participated in the training. This program is delivered on the UNB Saint John campus and is ideal for unemployed spouses or other family members also wanting to join the workforce. Weekly opportunities for conversation and socialization One-on-one tutoring Mom & Baby classes Volunteer opportunities Computer lab access The Y gave me the ability to speak English properly and the confidence that I can do something here. - Sam Suh saintjohny.com/newcomerconnections AIPP Employer Guide 9

10 Innovation CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING It s no secret that Canada s labour market is becoming increasingly diverse. Employers must invest in the training and tools that will enable them to work more effectively across cultures, and to fuel innovation, performance and drive. This is known as cultural competency. Cultural competency is the ability to work and relate effectively across various cultural situations. It is a key building block in forming a positive, productive and dynamic cross-cultural work environment. Cultural differences may manifest themselves in communication style, situational interpretation, or workplace conduct just to name a few and cultural competency is a vital skill for employers and employees to create highly functioning teams. The Y Newcomer Connections department provides cultural competency training to a cross-section of private and public stakeholders in the community. Our staff are trained to deliver the Provincial curriculum, as mandated by the New Brunswick Multicultural Council. We are committed to delivering a high-quality and industry-leading training by utilizing best practices from internationally recognized programs. We offer tailor-made, sector specific programs for large and small groups. Jeremy McNally Cultural Competency Trainer P: E: j.mcnally@saintjohny.com 10 AIPP Employer Guide Y Newcomer Connections

11 FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMMING It is critical that a newcomer establish an early and meaningful connection to the community in which they live and work. Supports and programs offered to newcomers at the Y include: Life skills training Information and orientation sessions Canada School settlement training program Connections to ethno-cultural communities School preparedness In-school supports Tutoring and homework clubs Connections to the greater YMCA community Matt Martin Settlement Counsellor P: E: m.martin@saintjohny.com saintjohny.com/newcomerconnections AIPP Employer Guide 11

12 Expression of Interest to Hire Foreign Worker(s) Form New Brunswick Employers The Province of New Brunswick is available to help New Brunswick employers who are facing chronic labour market shortages and who are unable to fill full-time permanent job position(s) with permanent residents or citizens of Canada. If you are interested in learning more about how you may expand your workforce, please complete this form and it to: Be sure to include Expression of Interest to Hire Foreign Workers in the subject line. A Provincial Officer will contact you to discuss your labour market needs and make recommendations. SECTION I: EMPLOYER CONTACT INFORMATION Contact name Job title Years with the company address Telephone ( ) Alternate telephone ( ) Mailing address PO Box Unit Street no. Street name City or Town Province Postal code SECTION 2: COMPANY DESCRIPTION Company name Opening date (mm-dd-yyyy) NB corporate registry number Total number of employees # full time employees # part time employees # temporary foreign workers Sector Purpose Describe your activities SECTION 3: LABOUR NEEDS Please specify your labour needs below. We understand the information may be not be finalized at this time. # Job title Job location NOC Annual salary positions Start date (mm-yyyy) NB-EOI NB Employer Page 1 of 1 February 2017

13 Reset Employer Designation Application ATLANTIC IMMIGRATION PILOT PROJECT The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a three-year employer-driven immigration program aimed at addressing skill gaps and labour market needs in the four Atlantic Provinces. The Expression of Interest (EOI) Form completion is the first step for a New Brunswick employer interested in participating in the program. If you are facing labour market shortages and are unable to fill full-time permanent positions, submit an EOI to hire foreign nationals. Please complete the form and it to: AIPP-PPIA@gnb.ca. Be sure to include Expression of Interest to Hire Foreign Workers in the subject line. The Employer Designation Application Form completion is the next step before you can apply for endorsement of a foreign national under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. You are required to complete this designation once, before accessing the Pilot. Future use of the Pilot will be supported by your initial designation, provided it remains valid. Information provided in this form will be validated by a provincial immigration officer before endorsement is granted and prior to any endorsements being offered to your company. A provincial immigration officer will contact you annually to update the information in your designation and confirm its continued validity. The Designation process is designed to confirm that: the Atlantic Immigration Pilot is the immigration program best suited to address the employer s needs; the employer wants to hire full-time, non-seasonal international candidates; the employer and their business is established and in good standing as per the Program Guidelines; the employer has demonstrated their preparedness to receive and meet the settlement needs of foreign nationals and accompanying family members, and has agreed to do so; and the employer understands and agrees to the reporting requirements of the Program. Please complete this form if you are interested in being designated to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. You are required to complete this designation once, before accessing the pilot. Future use of the pilot will be supported by your initial designation, provided it remains valid. Please refer to the Guidelines for Designation and Endorsement for further information upon completing this form. IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION EMPLOYER DETAILS Company Name Name of the authorized signing officer Two-digit code(s) of business sector under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Mailing Address, including postal code Business Location, if different from the mailing address ( ) Telephone number Address Corporate Website Revenue Canada Taxation Number Corporate Registration number [e.g., New Brunswick Corporate Affairs Registry Reference Number] Worksafe NB Employer Number Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project: Designation Application 1

14 Have there been any complaints, investigations or decisions against your company? These could include, but are not limited to, decisions under: provincial labour standards, federal labour standards, occupational health and safety, human rights, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), or Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Yes No Should you answer yes, you will be contacted by an agent from our office. Employers must be in good standing with provincial, occupational health and safety, and labour authorities and not be in violation of the IRPA. COMPANY DESCRIPTION Year the company was established: Number of years in continuous active operation: Total number of employees: Number of full-time employees: Number of part-time employees: Number of temporary foreign workers (not permanent residents or Canadians): Describe your company s purpose and activities: LABOUR NEEDS Describe the labour gaps in your company and why you are considering hiring one or more foreign national(s) through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot to address your labour needs: Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project: Designation Application 2

15 Do you know approximately how many employees you will be, or plan to be hiring, through the Immigration Pilot? Yes No If you answered yes, please provide the number of planned or expected new hires for each the following three years: If known, please indicate in table next page the requested information for each planned new hire. We understand that this information may be approximate at this point. Please add another sheet of paper to input information if needed. New Hire Table: Job Title National Occupational Code (NOC) No. of Positions Employment Location (if different from co. address provided) Salary Start Date Job Title NOC No. of Positions Employment Location Salary Start Date COMMITMENT TO SETTLEMENT SUPPORTS A distinguishing feature of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot is the increased role of the employer in the settlement and retention of newcomer employees and their family, in coordination with a federally, or provincially, funded immigrant settlement service provider organization(s). Employers are notably required to commit to the three settlementrelated obligations outlined below: 1. Collaboration with an immigrant settlement service provider organization: Have you contacted an immigrant settlement service provider in your region? Yes No Name of immigrant settlement service provider: Contact Name and contact information: Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project: Designation Application 3

16 See list of federal and provincial government-funded immigrant settlement service provider(s) attached; if the preferred service provider in your community/region is not on the list, provide details and an explanation. 2. Commitment to support newcomers access to settlement services: Designated employers are expected to support employees and their families to access settlement services to address the needs identified in the preendorsement assessment. This will include access to settlement services in the official language of the employee s choice, where services are available in that language. In addition, employers may be required to provide resources including financial to meet costs associated with the provision of settlement support services for newcomer employees and their families. 3. Commitment to foster a welcoming workplace: To maximize the benefits of a diverse workforce, designated employers are expected to demonstrate that their workplace is prepared for the arrival of a newcomer employee(s). Activities leading to welcoming workplaces may include employee and management participation in culture and diversity awareness training (at the employer s own cost) as well as mentoring programs that match newcomer employees with existing employees. Comments: EMPLOYER DECLARATION As the employer, I am prepared to: Identify and hire qualified foreign nationals. Apply for an endorsement from New Brunswick for any foreign national I am prepared to hire under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, and accept the terms and conditions of the endorsement application. Provide a full-time, non-seasonal genuine offer of employment to employees brought in to Atlantic Canada through this program. Cover the costs associated with a temporary work permit holder s return to their country of origin, where that individual applied for the Intermediate Skilled Class (NOC C) as well as where this designation has been revoked and New Brunswick is unable to find an the worker alternate employment. Report on the number of foreign nationals recruited under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, their employment status, details on their position/wage/hours, and the settlement supports provided to them for up to three years after I hired them or the duration of their employment, whichever is less. Comply with the IRPA, IRPR, the Province s labour standards Occupational Health and Safety legislation as well as applicable Federal labour legislation for federally regulated companies, etc. Fulfill my obligations to partner with an immigrant settlement service provider organization, ensure that the workplace is welcoming to newcomers, including providing workplace cultural sensitivity and awareness training if an immigrant settlement service provider organization has deemed it appropriate or necessary. In addition to provide support and pay for settlement services for newcomer employees and their family members as stated in the commitment to settlement supports section above. Provide further information as requested by the Population Growth Division (PGD). I understand that any violation of IRPA or IRPR will result in my employer designation being revoked. I understand that any non-compliance with provincial legislation related to employment standards, occupational health and safety, federal legislation related to employment standards or occupational health and safety or with the terms and conditions of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot may result in probation, suspension, or termination from the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project: Designation Application 4

17 I agree to immediately notify the Population Growth Division of any complaint, investigation, or decision under IRPA, applicable labour codes, employment or health and safety standards or non-compliance with the terms of the Atlantic Immigration Program. I declare that I will meet the above commitments outlined in this employer declaration, and that the information given in this form is truthful, complete and correct. Yes No * *Failure to agree to the above terms of this Declaration will make you ineligible for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. By signing, I authorize the Government of New Brunswick, to collect, use, retain, disclose, and destroy personal and business information for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. If I have any questions about the collection, use, retention, disclosure, or destruction of personal and business information, I may contact the New Brunswick. In addition, I authorize the New Brunswick to research, monitor, and evaluate the Program under the authority of the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and Regulations and other relevant Government of Canada legislation. I authorize immigration officials within the Government of New Brunswick to disclose personal and business information to the Government of Canada and to collect personal and business information from the Government of Canada as necessary for the purpose of assessing, verifying information, monitoring and evaluating the Atlantic Immigration Pilot or in the event of a suspected non-compliance with any provincial or federal law. I authorize immigration officials with the Government of New Brunswick to disclose personal and business information to other Canadian provincial and territorial immigration officials, and to collect personal and business information from other Canadian provincial and territorial immigration officials, as necessary, for the purpose of assessing, verifying information, or in the event of any suspected non-compliance with provincial or federal law. I understand that the Government of New Brunswick may contact any person to verify information provided by me in this form. I consent to the Government of New Brunswick collecting, using, disclosing or destroying any personal, business and other information required as part of my company s involvement in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, for the purpose of evaluating the program and our participation in it. I authorize the Government of New Brunswick to locate and contact me and my company for the purposes of administering and evaluating the program and our participation in it, to verify information provided to the Government of New Brunswick and to ensure compliance with commitments made to New Brunswick in this application or otherwise. I consent to the Government of New Brunswick collecting, using, disclosing or destroying any personal, business and other information from any federal, provincial, municipal or other local authority or any other person, department, agency or organization holding such information. Signature of Authorized Signing Officer of the Company (listed in the Employer Details section) Title Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project: Designation Application 5

18 APPLICATION SUBMISSION Submit the completed form to the address below: Department of Post- Secondary education, Training and Labour Population Growth Division 5th floor PO Box 6000 Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1 QUESTIONS Please contact the New Brunswick Population Growth Division at or Top Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project: Designation Application 6

19 Newcomer Connections 191 Churchill Boulevard Saint John, NB E2K 3E2 P: (506) F: (506)