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NEW ESL Guidelines - Provincial Nominee Program
Earlier this year, a research report was commissioned by Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry for the purpose of establishing a level of English language proficiency required to work safely and competently as a labourer in the food processing sector. With input and cooperation from Alberta Agriculture and Food and food processors, the final report was completed in September 2007. Based on the recommendations of this report, we are introducing new English as a Second Language (ESL) Requirements for all Provincial Nominee candidates effective November 1, 2007.
Provincial nominee candidates employed prior to November 1, 2007 remain under the existing ESL guidelines, which include proof of 85% attendance rates in ESL training AND demonstrated progress in the English language.
Provincial nominee candidates employed on or after November 1, 2007 will be required to attain Competency in English as defined by the Canadian Language Benchmark as follows: Listening (4), Reading (4), Speaking (4), Writing (2).
For complete details of the new ESL requirements, contact Karen Gingras, Manager Labour Retention at 780-980-4220 or karen.gingras@gov.ab.ca
Upcoming Market Development Missions
Food Beverage Canada, in cooperation with the Canadian Food Exporters Association, is organizing the following export missions:
Fancy Food Show – San Diego CA ...January 11-15/08
Join an exciting educational mission to the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Diego. As an added bonus, you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from an industry expert who will provide an overview of the U.S. specialty food market, what retailers look for in new items, a tour through retail stores, and will also be available for one-on-one discussions.
Gulfood 2008 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates...February 24-27/08
Gulfood is an annual event and has achieved the status of being the largest and most attended event in the Middle East. As a participant you will benefit from showcasing your products in the FBC/CFEA booths located in the Canadian Pavilion at a reduced cost. Participation also provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the market, assess opportunities for your company, analyze challenges and opportunities, identify possible avenues for market entry, and gather important feedback about your products.
For more detailed information contact Wendy Hindle at 780-486-9679 or whindle@foodbeveragecanada.com
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Agri-Processing Directory Update
Just a reminder to review and make any necessary changes to your organization’s information on the Update Form for the 2008 edition of Alberta’s Agricultural Processing Industry Directory. Be sure to include your Food News subscription update as well. A pre-paid return envelope is included for your convenience.
Upcoming Food Safety Workshops
- HACCP I: Documenting Your Prerequisite Program - Calgary – November 26-27, 2007
- HACCP II: Development of Your HACCP Plan - Calgary – November 28-30, 2007
- Certified HACCP Auditor (ASQ) - Edmonton – December 4-6, 2007
Course and registration details are available on-line at www.afpa.com/snq/train.shtml or by email at admin@afpa.com
Prepare For An Influenza Pandemic
No one knows for sure when the next pandemic might occur but experts agree it could happen in the near future. Even if the pandemic does not occur as expected, planning for the prospect is one of the most effective steps businesses can take to prepare for any disruptive event. Many of the issues addressed in pandemic planning would also apply to any emergency. By planning ahead, Alberta businesses can protect their workers, reduce risks to critical business functions, and minimize financial losses for their enterprise over the long term. Risks can include employee absenteeism, permanent loss of skills and knowledge, loss of critical infrastructure, and disruption in the supply of goods and services.
To request a copy of our pandemic planning toolkit. Preparedness Guide for Alberta’s Food Manufacturing and Distribution Industry, contact Joan Bates at 403-340-7625 or joan.bates@gov.ab.ca. The guide is accessible on-line at http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/pandemic
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Need to speak to an agri-processing specialist?
Processed Foods Branch - 403-340-5322
Livestock Products Branch -780-427-7325
Business Commercialization Branch - 780-980-4722
Bio-Industrial Development Branch 780-427-7366
dial 310-0000 for toll-free access.
Your connection to resources for business growth.
Food News is available in pdf format - 103Kb
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