The influx is expected to continue. While resorts south of the border in the U.S. face restrictions on visas, restrictions that will severely impact their ability to hire foreign workers, the Canadian government has loosened restrictions on Australians who want to work in Whistler this winter.
The relaxation in terms for Australian visas includes expanded holiday visas from one to two years, and an increase in the cap on visas given to Aussies each year. Currently more than 2,000 Australians work in Whistler each winter. The Canadian government has also streamlined the process for hiring seasonal workers such as ski instructors or patrollers. Prior to the changes, employers had to prove that they had diligently searched nationwide for Canadians to fill those jobs. Under the new program, employers can expect to obtain a decision from the government on issuing temporary work visas within a week. \