Immigration and Skilled-Labour Attraction Tops Agenda for Europe Mission

June 18, 2008 Immigration and skilled-labour attraction tops agenda for Europe mission

Edmonton... Attracting immigrants and promoting labour opportunities in Alberta are the focus of an upcoming government mission to Europe.

Hector Goudreau, Minister of Employment and Immigration, will meet with government and Canadian Embassy officials, and business groups in Germany and the United Kingdom from June 24 to July 2. During the mission, Goudreau will build on Alberta’s longstanding relationship with both countries and explore ways to further address the province’s labour shortages. Through ongoing marketing campaigns and other initiatives in Germany and the United Kingdom, Alberta has been able to attract workers in many high-demand occupations, including health care, emergency services, construction and the tourism and hospitality industry. The mission will let Alberta identify further opportunities for drawing skilled labour from these two dynamic markets. Discussions will focus on the restructuring of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, which could open more doors overseas for qualified doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Goudreau will also meet with the Canadian Embassy in Berlin and the Canadian High Commission in London to exchange information on immigration promotion and targets. Over the next year, the Alberta government plans to increase to 50,000 the number of temporary foreign workers and immigrants, including those arriving through the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. The mission will conclude in London where Goudreau will raise Alberta’s profile at the Opportunities Canada Expo job fair and take part in Canada Day festivities at Canada House and Trafalgar Square. Goudreau will officially kick off a free concert and promote Alberta to a crowd of several thousand people. “There’s a lot to be gained from our meetings in Europe,” said Goudreau. “There are limitless opportunities for skilled workers in this province and we see this mission as a chance to further develop our labour force to the benefit of all Albertans.” The total cost of the trip for the minister and his executive assistant is estimated at $25,000, including air and ground transportation, meals and accommodations. -30- Attachment: Goudreau’s general itinerary Media inquiries may be directed to: Sorcha McGinnis Employment and Immigration, Communications 780-415-2642 (office) 780-722-4134 (cell) [email protected] To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. June 18, 2008

General itinerary for Minister Goudreau, June 24 to July 2 Tuesday, June 24 Arrive in Berlin, Germany Wednesday, June 25 Meeting with German Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Germany Keynote speech to the German Canadian Business Club Meeting at Handwerkskammer Training Centre Thursday, June 26 Arrive in Bonn, Germany Meeting with Canadian Embassy staff Meeting with the Central International Placement Service of the German Federal Employment Agency Meeting with officials from Raphaels-Werk, an emigration service Arrive in London, England Friday, June 27 Meeting with Deputy Canadian High Commissioner Meeting with Alberta’s United Kingdom office Briefing on National Health Service restructuring Roundtable meeting with think tanks and immigration organizations on labour attraction opportunities for Alberta Saturday, June 28 Attend opening of Opportunities Canada Expo Job Fair (www.expo-canada.com) Visit the Alberta/Canadian pavilion and meet with Alberta employers exhibiting at the fair Monday, June 30 Meeting with Citizenship and Immigration Canada officials Reception at Canada House Open pre-Canada Day concert at Trafalgar Square (Alberta is a sponsor of the event) Tuesday, July 1 Canada Day event at Trafalgar Square Promote province at the Alberta pavilion Keynote address to the Canada-U.K. Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, July 2 Meeting with Canadian High Commission staff Return to Edmonton -30- Note: This itinerary is tentative and subject to change. Media inquiries may be directed to: Sorcha McGinnis Employment and Immigration, Communications 780-415-2642 (office) 780-722-4134 (cell) [email protected]