Labour Market Opinions

Getting an official opinion from the Government of Canada about the need to hire a foreign worker is often the first step for Canadian employers seeking temporary work permits for offshore workers.

Capelle Kane has shown employers in Ottawa, in Ontario and across Canada how they can succeed with alternative ‘Work in Canada’ strategies. With the new rules that came into play on April 1, 2011, getting the right advice—right up front—is more important than ever.

What’s an LMO?Canada’s Labour Market Opinion (LMO) process requires employers who are seeking temporary work permits for foreign workers to apply for an official consideration of what kind of impact their offer of employment is likely to have on Canada’s labour market.

Why it takes time. Obtaining a favourable LMO means employers have to prove no Canadian worker is available to fill the requirements of a particular position—for example, by demonstrating the position was advertised in Canada, but without success. Since the process involves assessing an employer’s needs and recruitment practices, it takes time and a lot of documentation before a decision is rendered.

Why it makes sense to look at alternatives. Capelle Kane can develop options for employers and foreign workers that take a strategic planning approach to a wide range of ‘Work in Canada’ alternatives. These can include seeking exemptions from work permit requirements and from the labour market opinion application process; provincial nominee work options; international agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other international agreements; and youth mobility programs.