Please come! We need you.
If you’re qualified, and a citizen of another country, there are three really important things we need you to know.
• First, when employer demand is high in Alberta (something we would normally expect as oil prices begin to increase again) we really WILL need you, and we’ll be eager to welcome you to work with us in Alberta.
• Second, even when there is high demand, you cannot just show up in our offices expecting to go to work right away. You MUST contact us first so we can make sure you enter Canada properly, legally able to go to work as soon as possible.
• Third, you need a clean criminal record.
In ALL cases, the way to approach us is to fill out the form on the Join Us! page and submit it. We promise to call or email you back soon so we can begin the process of ensuring that all the necessary ‘paperwork’ is done before your arrival.
American UBC Members
Since by far the largest number of non-Canadians working with us are American members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (more later about non-UBC workers), following is a short description of the process. It has recently been streamlined, so relax...lots of the work of ‘getting you in’ is done by us or your future employers.
• For American UBC members, we deal ONLY between ourselves (UBC Alberta Regional Council) and your UBC Local or Council. Your first step is to contact your own home Local or Council and let them know you want to work in Alberta. They will contact us and we will forward them the necessary paperwork and more information about the process.
• Alberta companies employing you as a foreign worker must have obtained prior approval (called an LMO, Labour Market Opinion) from our federal Immigration department for the position you’ll fill, and also for your own personal employment.
• The employer signs a letter of commitment to hire you. That letter will also deal with subjects like travel expenses and arrangements for Canadian safety gear, drug testing, accommodation and medical care.
• Your employer will make arrangements for you to obtain a working visa to enter Canada. The employer flies you here, and gives you a (usually) two-day orientation program.
Non-UBC workers
The entry process for non-UBC members from all countries is basically that when we’re assured that you are qualified to become a member of our union, we'll connect with your future employer and your employer will handle the process of your entry into Canada. You do not need to be a member of a construction union in your home country to join us in Alberta. Previously non-union members are more than welcome!
Once you’re here
We have plenty of opportunity for you to work in or near large cities, or in more remote camp settings.
When demand is high and they're hiring, many of our employers pay quite generous tax-free subsistence allowances when their employees are working away from home and not living in camp.
Canadian camps are quite comfortable. They’re clean and well-maintained. All rooms are private with shared (often with only one other) bathroom facilities. Food is high quality, and there are fitness centres and TV and games rooms, both smoking and non-smoking.
Workers are not charged for camp accommodation and food.
Visit
our main AlbertaCarpenters.com