Vancouver-based activewear company Lululemon has received a major win in their efforts to attract and retain top talent from abroad. The Canadian government has announced an exemption from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process for the company, following threats by Lululemon to move their head office outside of the country.
The LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a process used to assess the impact that the hiring of foreign workers may have on the Canadian labor market. Companies are required to obtain an LMIA before hiring foreign workers, and the process can be time-consuming and bureaucratic. Employers have to file the LMIA application and are responsible of paying all the legal fees ($1000) associated with it to Employment and social development Canada (ESDC).
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Lululemon had been facing difficulties with the Immigration process, which they claimed was hindering their ability to attract and retain top talent from abroad. In response, the company issued a warning to the Canadian government, stating that they may be forced to move their head office outside of the country due to the difficulties with the LMIA process and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The government’s decision to grant Lululemon an LMIA exemption has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the exemption will allow Lululemon to remain competitive and attract the best talent from around the world, while critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent and could put Canadian workers at a disadvantage.
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Regardless of the differing opinions, the LMIA exemption for Lululemon highlights the ongoing challenges that companies in Canada face when trying to attract and retain top talent from abroad. The government’s decision to grant the exemption will likely spark further debate about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the LMIA process, and the role they play in supporting the growth of Canadian businesses.
Further details on this program are expected to be announced in Spring.
