POLICY CHECKMARKS:

Improving immigration    

New skilled trades stream starts Jan. 2  

The federal government's recognition that areas of our country are struggling with labour shortages has resulted in a new skilled worker immigration stream.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program will fast-track workers in specific occupations, such as pipefitters, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, welders and electricians.  

Program details are HERE.       

ACC has been advocating for this kind of program through our immigration policies. As you can see, the trades eligible to apply to this stream are geared to our province's labour needs.

Two changes to improve the Canadian Experience Class 

A change to the Canadian Experience Class will allow skilled workers to apply to stay in Canada after one year of work experience instead of the previous two years.  

The federal government is also giving international students three years to obtain the full-year of work experience they need before they can apply to the Canadian Experience Class program. That's 12 more months then they had before to fulfil the work requirement.

Both changes to the Canadian Experience Class program begin Jan. 2. Details are available HERE. 

ACC hopes to see the government expand the CEC for low- and semi-skilled workers, and we support further enhancing the ability of international students to permanently join our workforce. 

  Rail service

Rail Freight Service legislation introduced

The federal  government has introduced legislation ACC has been waiting for. It's called the Fair Rail Freight Service Act and it fulfils the federal government's commitment to improve freight service by requiring that rail companies sign service agreements with their customers.

ACC has a policy that deals with this issue. It was developed by the Grande Prairie Chamber, whose members in northwestern Alberta have faced problems shipping their resource-based products to market.

Alberta's impact in Ottawa

ACC's Brad Severin on Parliament Hill shortly before presenting to the Finance Committee.

LINKS of Interest

The demise of the penny . . . and when to round up, when to round down

Alarming labour shortage stats: 30% of Canada's small businesses affected

Citizenship and Immigration can help you find internationally trained immigrants for your business

CRA adds to online services

for small businesses

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has improved the online services it offers small businesses, including:                      

• Payroll Deductions Online Calculator.
• A new RC366 form which lets businesses request direct deposit for GST/HST, payroll and/or corporation income tax to one or multiple bank accounts on one form.
• An increase in the number of information returns a business can file to 100 from 50 in a single submission.
• Sidebar links to the Message Centre for every service in My Business Account.
• Some businesses are now able to electronically submit certain documents, when requested by the CRA, to support their T2 return.
• My Business Account users are able to view their original online enquiries at any time by using reference numbers.
• Most businesses can file their GST190, GST/HST New Housing Rebate Application for Houses Purchased from a Builder, electronically.
• Businesses can electronically elect to use the quick method of accounting for GST/HST filings.

The CRA's one-stop shop for electronic services is available at www.cra-arc.gc.ca/businessonline.