The Work Place: Get help finding jobs, employment resources, identify employement goals and prepare applications.

• Phone: (780) 539-5477

EmployAbilities Grande Prairie: Helps people who face extra challenges get a job — like having a disability, low English skills or little work experience.

• Phone: (780) 933-5928

Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning: Offers English classes, job mentoring and help for immigrants.

• Phone (780) 539-6077

Work NW Alberta: The Work NW Alberta Partnership (WNWAP) is a regional collaboration between governments and businesses that provides people with information about living, working and moving to Grande Prairie. Explore job opportunities, find amenities and research housing on their website.

• Website: worknwalberta.ca
• Email: info@worknwalberta.ca

Grande Prairie Local Immigration Partnership (GPLIP): The GPLIP helps connect community groups, businesses and government to support immigrants in settling and feeling welcome in the community. GPLIP works to improve services, share resources and create opportunities for newcomers. 

• Website: cityofgp.com/gplip
• Phone: (780) 832 6178
• Email: GP_lip@cityofgp.com
• Address: 12106 100 Street, Grande Prairie

Opportunity Alberta: A website with lots of info about living, working and settling in Alberta.

• Website: alberta.ca/opportunity-alberta

Government of Alberta: Useful employement information for newcomers.

• Website: alberta.ca/employment-topic

Grande Prairie is part of Alberta’s Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, which helps rural communities bring newcomers to Alberta and fill labour gaps by endorsing eligible employers and job seekers to fast-track permanent residency for eligible candidates.

Learn more: alberta.ca/aaip-rural-renewal-stream

There are some jobs in Canada that require a license or certificate to work in – like being a doctor, engineer or electrician. Newcomers who want to work in these types of jobs (called regulated occupations) must have their foreign licenses and certificates recognized. This is to ensure that training and education completed in another country meets the standards in Canada.

It can be a lengthy process to get your professional or educational credentials recognized in Canada. It’s important to start the process early and be open to taking bridging programs, which can help you fill the gap between the training you received in your home country and Canadian standards. 

Learn more about steps you can take to have your credentials assessed on the Government of Alberta website.

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HELPFUL TIP: Need to transfer school or work credentials? Learn more about International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) on the Government of Alberta website. IQAS helps people get recognition for education and training they received outside of Canada. You can also look at alberta.ca/workers-moving-to-alberta.

Once you start a new job, you might notice some differences in the culture and attitudes in the workplace.  Here are some tips for succeeding in a Canadian workplace:

• Professionalism: Dress appropriately, arrive on time and follow company policies and procedures.
• Work ethic: There is a high value placed on hard work, dedication and reliability in Canadian workplaces. 
• Communication styles: It is important to always communicate politely at work. Listen to instructions and ask questions if you do not understand.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Many positions require that you work with a team of people to get the job done. Show you are a team player by getting involved, sharing ideas and problem-solving as a group.
• Respect for diversity: In the Canadian workplace, you may hear the term “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”  This means the workplace is committed to respecting and appreciating the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of all employees. It is important to treat everyone at work with kindness and respect.
• Work-life balance: Your personal time outside of work should be respected by your employer.  Work with your employer to find a schedule that works for you both. 

Beyond certain cultural habits and behaviours, there are important workplace rights that you need to know as an employee in Alberta. The Alberta Human Rights Act protects against discrimination in various contexts, including the workplace. These are your legal rights and they are in place to make sure you are being treated fairly at work, regardless of your residency status. There are also Employment Standards in Alberta that are related to minimum wage, working hours, leaves, and more. 

If you think your rights are being violated – whether at work, in school, or elsewhere – visit the Government of Alberta’s Temporary Foreign Workers Advisory Office website to learn about your options.

On the other hand, workplace responsibilities are things that you as an employee need to be doing. In Canada, like most places, being on time, working hard and being kind and respectful to other staff members are part of your expectations as a worker. 

Employers also have a responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive workplace. They should provide equal opportunities for people to participate and do their best to accommodate requests to avoid undue hardship.  

Looking to start a business in Grande Prairie? This is a great city to be an entrepreneur!

Starting a business can be both an exciting and challenging process. As a new Canadian, you may have some unique challenges in starting your own business. For example, you will need to build up a healthy credit score and start researching your local market. 

Here are some local resources:

• Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce advocates for the business community by providing networking opportunities, resources and support.
• Invest GP promotes economic development by attracting investment and supporting local businesses in Grande Prairie.
• Community Futures Network of Alberta (CFNA) offers small business development and rural economic development through their 27 Community Futures offices throughout rural Alberta. Services offered include helping you write a business plan, helping create a marketing plan or business expansion strategy, and providing one-on-one coaching and business mentoring. For more information, visit albertacf.com.