For Inquiries, Call +1 (587) 742-8722

Edson Rural Renewal Program

Employer Participation

Employers play a crucial role in the success of the Edson Rural Renewal Stream. If your company is interested in participating in the program, apply by completing the application form and submitting it online.

To make an appointment to discuss your application, please phone  +1 (587) 742-8722.

Understanding the Rural Renewal Stream Process

Learn about the Edson Rural Renewal Stream Process

Inquiries related to the Rural Renewal Stream will be responded to within 30 days. Processing times for endorsement letter applications are approximately 60 days from the date of payment.

 

Ineligible Occupations and Job Offers

Certain occupations and job offers are not eligible for the Rural Renewal Stream. These are defined by the Government of Alberta. Employers must ensure compliance with these restrictions.

Employers will be asked to provide the National Occupation Classification upon application. Use IRCC’s Find your NOC tool to find the NOC 2021 version of your occupation.

 

Eligibility for Participating in the Rural Renewal Stream

To qualify for the Rural Renewal Stream, employers must meet specific eligibility criteria. Please review the details below.

 
Application Fees

Employers are responsible to pay the $500 application fee ($250 application fee for non-profit). This application fee is non-refundable regardless of endorsement letter outcome.

Employer Criteria

1

Legal Incorporation

    • The company must be incorporated or registered under an act of the legislature of a province, territory, or the Parliament of Canada.
    • The business must operate with an established production capability, plant, or place of business in the municipal boundaries of the Town of Edson.
    • Employers will be asked to provide their Alberta Corporate Access Number and Date of Incorporation.
2

Continuous Operation

      • The company must have been in continuous and active operation in the Province of Alberta (as per provincial regulations) for a minimum of two complete fiscal years (used for tax or accounting purposes) under the same ownership before applying.
3

Employment Standards

    • Employers must offer full-time employment (continuous, 12 months or more) that meets the criteria of the Rural Renewal Stream as defined by the Government of Alberta and the Town of Edson. Employers will be required to provide the Job Offer Letter as part of the application.
    • Wages and benefits must be at least the lowest starting wage for the occupation in Alberta (as listed on the ALIS website).
    • Certain occupations and job offers are not eligible for the Rural Renewal Stream. These are defined by the Government of Alberta. Employers must ensure compliance with these restrictions.
    • Employers will be asked to provide the National Occupation Classification upon application. Use IRCC’s Find your NOC tool to find the NOC 2021 version of your occupation.
4

Community Presence

    • Businesses must be operating within Edson and hold a valid Town of Edson Business License as per municipal requirements. Businesses may be subject to a site visit.
5

Compliance

    • Employers must not be in violation of municipal, federal, or provincial regulations.
    • The business must have no outstanding Occupational Health and Safety or Alberta Health Services violations.
    • Employers must be in good standing with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as well as the Town of Edson.
6

Immigration Knowledge

    • Employers must demonstrate knowledge of federal and provincial immigration laws and regulations.
    • Employers must provide evidence of efforts to recruit locally. Although a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required, the position must have been posted for at least four weeks.
    • Employers will be asked to provide evidence to support timelines of job postings as part of the application process.
7

Welcoming Workplace

    • Employers must show a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace and recognize the support candidates may require to integrate into the community and workplace.
8

Community Partnership Commitment

    • Employers must agree to work with the Town of Edson to advance candidates success in the community.
9

Program Caps

    • Eligible employers can recruit up to 25% of their workforce through the Rural Renewal Stream. Independent contractors are not considered as indeterminate employees do not count toward caps. Independent contractors are not eligible.
        • 2 part-time employees are counted as one full-time employee position for the purpose of workforce calculations.
10

Candidate Vetting

    • Employers are responsible for vetting candidates for suitability and eligibility before applying for a candidate endorsement letter.
    • Employers must submit a copy of their candidates’ work permit as part of the application process.
11

Residency Requirements

    • Candidates must have lived and worked in Edson for at least 6 months before Employers can apply.
    • Employers will be required to submit proof of residency on behalf of candidates (such as a tenant agreement, utility bill dated 6 months prior, or other third-party document).
12

Response Requirements

  • Employers who fail to respond to requests for information or follow-up may face pauses in their applications and be deemed ineligible until required information is provided.
13

Consultant Misrepresentation

  • Consultants providing fraudulent information will be banned from participating in the program and reported to relevant authorities.

Support Resources

Employers are required to demonstrate knowledge of responsibilities when welcoming candidates. The following resources are available upon request:

Employer's Roadmap

Hiring & Retaining Internationally Trained Workers by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Attracting & Retaining Immigrants

Employers Guide by Alberta Employment & Immigration and Central Alberta Economic Partnership.

In addition, two optional training courses are available for employers. These courses are available virtually and are scheduled based on demand:

Unconscious Bias (3 hours)

Learn about social stereotypes and how they affect workplace relationships. Gain strategies to support diversity and inclusivity.

Addressing Racism and Discrimination (2.5 hours)

Examine identity, power, and privilege, and learn how to address incidents of racism or discrimination effectively.

For more information or to register for these courses, contact +1 (587) 742-8722.

Creating a Safe and Welcoming Workplace

A safe and welcoming workplace ensures that all employees are valued, included, and treated with respect. Employers can achieve this by:

  • Providing onboarding, training, and equitable opportunities for professional growth.
  • Establishing policies to prevent harassment, discrimination, and racism.
  • Supporting candidates with additional resources, such as language or skill-building programs and community orientation.

For more details on creating a safe and welcoming workplace, visit alis.ca.