Dear members,
Today, I am delighted to officially announce the launch of our labour mobility pilot project with the Government of Mexico that will address our industry's pressing workforce shortage by placing 100 skilled Mexican workers in accommodations across British Columbia.
This initiative not only helps alleviate the skilled worker shortage in our province but also provides valuable opportunities for Mexican workers to enhance their skills and training. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions to support our industry's workforce needs, and following the overwhelming success of our partnerships with both the Consulate of Barbados and the Consulate of El Salvador, we are certain that this partnership is a significant step in that direction.
Today, at the Consulate of Mexico, we had the honor of announcing this pilot project in the presence of key representatives, including Roberto Velasco, Chief Officer for North America Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Berenice Diaz Ceballos, Consul General, Alison Langford, BCHA Workforce Strategist, and the Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
This collaboration is particularly significant as our industry continues to recover from the challenges of the past three years. By filling labor shortages and extending tourism opportunities, this pilot project benefits both hospitality employers and foreign workers eager to advance their careers.
The recruitment efforts will be led by Mexico's National Employment Service of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico. Alison Langford, BCHA's Workforce Strategist, will assist in identifying hiring employers and placements. Each worker will have an individual contract with their employer, receiving on-the-job training and suitable housing. Employers must comply with the Certificate of Registration, part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, and be members in good standing with the BCHA and Service Canada.
For any operator interested in this program, please connect with BCHA Workforce Strategist, Alison Langford at alison@bcha.com.
This exciting partnership opens doors for both our industry and the skilled Mexican workers who will join us. Together, we are creating a brighter future and fostering professional growth. Thank you for your continued support.
Warm regards,
Ingrid Jarrett
President and CEO
British Columbia Hotel Association
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