http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/11/1...s-military-personnel-to-help-develop-oilsands From talking to a few guys in the industry, being able to do this would solve a serious problem with finding good help. Plus, politically they could gain a lot of brownie points. Pretty sad though that Alberta is the one looking at tapping this source, and not the US oil industry.
As a geologist I've often thought of moving to Alberta due to the very high wages offered, $150,000-$250,000 is about an average mid career wage, and I have to admit I have been tempted. The things that hold me back are the extremely high cost of housing and living (even compared to my California standards), the horrible weather, and the US tax policies which would mean I'd have to pay both Canadian taxes and US taxes on any income over $75k.
There is no point in moving up here if you already make a decent living. Chances are you won't be happy.
I'm also a vet so I'm actually being targeted for this program. A vet and a geologist = exactly what they are looking for in Alberta. I'm sure Azure would hope to keep a liberal away though even if he's exactly what they're looking for.
Just curious, but what two areas are you comparing, California and Alberta are both quite large real estate markets. Can't a citizen make over $250,000 a year in another country without being over-taxed by the US?!
what an odd thread. A conservative advocates immigrant labor and a liberal complains about U.S. taxes being too high...
It makes plenty of sense to hire young vets. They should be able to handle extreme weather, hard work, cramped quarters etc. better than the average Joe. Yes, I am one of those "military are a better class of society" people, because statistically it's true.
The deduction is closer to $100k these days; it's adjusted every year. And I'm fairly sure you'd receive a credit for what you paid to the Canadian government.
Most conservatives I know are all in favor of immigration and immigrants. Of course, most conservatives I know are also smart enough to distinguish legal immigrants from pillaging invaders.
You got to let them bring their guns. Though, I don't know how many people want to go from a hot ass desert to a frozen shit hole where you have to plug your car in at night for it to start.
Bonus points because you'll have your pick of the litter. That is one thing that Alberta is going to need to do..import women or get the brothels up to speed.
Immigration Canada (the Canadian government's official immigration and naturalization agency) may take a dim view of the idea of just driving north to Calgary and applying for a job in the oil sands. Canada's immigration policy, first of all, favors people with direct family ties to the country (in the interests of full disclosure, as a child of a Canadian national I automatically qualify by Canadian law for both immediate immigration and immediate Canadian citizenship without surrendering citizenship in the country of my birth, the USA). Then comes a combination of special needed skills, education, and proficiency in one or both of the country's official languages (English and French). If you're not someone who acquires Canadian nationality by birthright, there's a point system that applies taking into account your education and skill set, your background, whether you offer something that an available Canadian national can't provide, and other factors--not the least of which is that you're probably employable and therefore not likely to be on the dole after you arrive.. It's not a slam dunk (unless you're like me and your legal birthright means they have to take you in if you show up).
Just FYI, Asher, a poster over at Apolyton who is from Calgary said that even 18 year old kids straight out of high school can make $100k with over time working as rough necks on oil rigs. There isn't a woman for 100 miles and you get all sorts of odd folks since you're living in the far northern part of Alberta on the tundra but the oil companies are willing to pay big bucks for folks who are willing to put up with the poor conditions.
We will just do what Mexico does. "Our people have the right to find jobs anywhere." Plus we can give out maps with routers for people to use to sneak across the border. If other countries and their people don't have to respect our laws why should we care about another countries immigration laws?
There are certain provinces(Manitoba) that have figured out a way around this and have been very successful. Its still a problem though, as there is a huge demand for good workers, and not enough people to fill them.
