The Alberta government has put on hold a recent policy change that could have deprived some temporary foreign workers — particularly young people on working holiday visas — of provincial health coverage. The decision was made after a wave of criticism from workers and employers and wider media coverage.
The changes in question were quietly introduced on January 7. They affected people with International Experience Canada (IEC) Type 58 work permits, a format that allows foreigners to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to two years, often as part of working holiday programs.
Last week, the issue attracted more attention, after which the government announced a review of the decision. On Monday, Alberta Primary and Preventive Health Care Ministry representative Kyle Warner confirmed that the new policy would be temporarily suspended, calling the previous decision “premature.”
Why this is important for mountain towns and tourism
The regions where seasonal workers are critically needed — particularly the tourist areas of Banff and Lake Louise — reacted most strongly to the situation. Businesses there traditionally recruit workers from abroad for peak seasons, and the lack of clear access to healthcare could deter people at the planning stage.
Bow Valley Immigration Partnership representative Tineke van der Merwe welcomed the decision to pause, but stressed that clear and public explanations are now most important. According to her, uncertainty about medical coverage could reduce workers' interest in coming to Alberta just as employers are actively preparing for the spring and summer tourist season.
The consequences could be significant: if workers do not come, it will be more difficult for employers to fill vacancies, which poses a risk to services and revenues for local communities that depend on tourism.
Position of local authorities
Municipal leaders have also joined the discussion. Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland emphasized that international and seasonal workers are not just about the economy, but also about the health and sustainability of mountain communities: when the people who keep infrastructure and services running feel secure, the whole community benefits.
What's next
Despite the suspension, key questions remain unanswered:
- How long will the government review take and when will the final decision be announced?
- Will those who arrive in Alberta during the pause retain their right to coverage?
- Which categories of work permits will be subject to the rules going forward and how this will be explained to employers and employees.
In the meantime, businesses and employees are waiting for official clarification, as time is of the essence for the seasonal labor market: summer hiring often begins well before the peak season starts.