News Release - Canada’s new government extends off-campus work program for international students to private institutions

Edmonton, September 12, 2007 — Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and the Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, today announced the implementation of a pilot project that expands the Off‑Campus Work Permit Program for international students to include private institutions in Alberta. As a result of this project, international students studying at select private institutions and enrolled in specific qualifying programs in Alberta are now eligible to apply for off-campus work permits.

These institutions are Ambrose University College, Canadian University College, Concordia University College of Alberta, St. Mary’s University College, Taylor University College and Seminary, and The King’s University College. Previously, only international students at public universities and colleges were able to apply to the Program. 

“Canada’s New Government is committed to helping all newcomers to Canada, including those who are here to study,” said Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki. “This pilot will allow more international students studying in Canada to work off-campus, to contribute to our economy, and to gain Canadian work experience.”

“The expansion of the Off-Campus Work Permit Program provides more international students with an opportunity to participate in one of the most robust labour markets in Canada,” said Minister Horner. “I am confident that their experiences will convince many of them to establish careers in Alberta following graduation.”

“The Off-Campus Work Permit Program is of tremendous importance to all international students currently enrolled at Concordia,” said Dr. Gerald Krispin, President of Concordia University College of Alberta. “This program provides significant work and career opportunities that will benefit both the students themselves and the Canadian economy, to which they can now contribute.”

The pilot project is being implemented on a province-by-province basis. Following extensive consultations, the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta have agreed to implement the project for only those programs and institutions that offer degrees recognized or authorized by the Province of Alberta. The Government of Canada is currently discussing the implementation of pilots with other interested provinces.

For information, please visit the Off-Campus Work Permit Program.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Marina Wilson
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

Earl McKenzie
Public Affairs Officer
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
780-415-0891

Backgrounder

• Off-campus work permit program