Rural Renewal Stream
The STEP Economic Development Alliance administers the Rural Renewal Stream on behalf of the
County of St. Paul, Town of St. Paul, Town of Elk Point, and Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay.
The program is employer-led and is intended to support local labour needs and skill shortages in the region.
Community endorsement is discretionary, subject to annual allocation limits, and does not guarantee provincial nomination or permanent residency.
Important Notice
STEP only accepts Rural Renewal Stream requests initiated by eligible employers in the STEP region.
Candidates cannot apply directly to STEP for endorsement.
A Letter of Endorsement does not guarantee selection by the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Forms
Employer Application Form
For employers seeking approval to participate in the STEP Rural Renewal Stream process.
Employer Request for Letter of Endorsement
For approved employers requesting endorsement for a currently employed candidate.
Document Submission
All completed forms and required supporting documents, including valid job offers, must be submitted
by email to: ruralrenewal@county.stpaul.ab.ca
Who Can Apply & How?
The STEP Rural Renewal Stream process is employer-led.
Employers operating within the STEP region may apply to participate in the program and may then request a Letter of Endorsement for an eligible candidate who is currently employed by them in the region.
STEP does not assist candidates to find employment or negotiate with employers.
PROGRAM PROCESS:
Employer submits Employer Application by email to: ruralrenewal@county.stpaul.ab.ca.
STEP confirms whether employer meets local program requirements.
The employer submits a request identifying the candidate for endorsement. The candidate must be currently employed at the time of application.
STEP verifies that the candidate is employed in a genuine, ongoing position within the region.
STEP reviews the application against program requirements and local criteria.
Applications are reviewed by the STEP Economic Development Alliance Committee.
Approved candidates are issued a Letter of Endorsement for submission to AAIP.
Employers and candidates must maintain the conditions under which endorsement was issued.
STEP may refuse or revoke endorsement where criteria or conditions are no longer met.
PRIORITY AND ALLOCATION:
STEP issues Letters of Endorsement based on community needs and within the annual allocation provided by the Province of Alberta.
- The candidate must have a valid work permit and a job offer in the region.
- The candidate must already be employed by the employer requesting endorsement.
- Employers may be subject to annual participation limits.
- Applications are processed until the available allocation is reached.
PROGRAM ALIGNMENT WITH AAIP:
Not all occupations are eligible under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. Employers are responsible for ensuring that both the position and the candidate meet AAIP requirements prior to applying.
STEP does not assess or guarantee eligibility under AAIP.
Occupations that require higher levels of education, training, or certification are more likely to align with AAIP requirements.
LOCAL JOBS AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT:
The Rural Renewal Stream is intended to address persistent labour shortages and is not intended to replace employment opportunities for Canadians, local residents, youth, or students.
Employers are expected to make reasonable efforts to recruit locally and support youth workforce participation where appropriate. Occupations typically filled by youth or student workers may be limited where local labour supply exists.
Employer Requirements
EMPLOYERS MUST:
- operate within the STEP region
- be in good standing with Employment Standards, WCB, and Occupational Health and Safety
- provide a valid job offer that meets program requirements
- demonstrate reasonable efforts to recruit locally
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- confirm your business operates in the STEP region
- confirm the candidate is currently employed by your business
- confirm the candidate has valid work authorization
- confirm a valid job offer has been issued
- review Alberta Advantage Immigration Program requirements
- submit the valid job offer and any completed forms by email to ruralrenewal@county.stpaul.ab.ca
PROGRAM LIMITS
Participation in the program is not an entitlement.
Endorsements are issued at STEP’s discretion, subject to policy, annual allocation limits, and Committee approval.
Submission of an application or issuance of a Letter of Endorsement does not guarantee success through AAIP.
FRAUD AND MISUSE
STEP takes program misuse seriously.
Suspected fraud or misrepresentation may be reported to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program.
Employers and applicants are expected to provide complete and accurate information. STEP may suspend processing, review employer participation, or withdraw support where misuse or risk is identified.
Settlement Supports
Settlement and community integration supports are available through the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP), delivered by Portage College.
CALP provides information and support related to housing, education, employment readiness, and access to community services.
CALP CONTACTS – STEP REGION
St. Paul
Danielle McArthur
780-614-3478
danielle.mcarthur@portagecollege.ca
Tammy Thoben
780-614-3474
tammy.thoben@portagecollege.ca
Elk Point
Sandie Bishop
780-614-6368
sandra.bishop@portagecollege.ca
Individuals endorsed through the program are encouraged to connect with CALP for local support.
FAQ
Can a candidate apply directly to STEP?
No. The process is employer-led.
Does STEP help candidates find jobs?
No. STEP does not secure positions or negotiate with employers.
Does a Letter of Endorsement guarantee nomination or permanent residency?
No. Community endorsement does not guarantee provincial approval or immigration status.
Do all jobs qualify under AAIP?
No. Employers must confirm eligibility under AAIP requirements.
Does STEP assess AAIP eligibility?
No. STEP does not assess or guarantee eligibility under AAIP.
How long is an endorsement letter valid?
Endorsement letters are valid for 12 months unless provincial rules change.
Can STEP refuse or revoke support?
Yes. STEP may refuse, suspend, or revoke endorsement or employer participation where requirements or conditions are not met.
How do I submit forms and required documents such as the job offer?
All required documents must be submitted by email to ruralrenewal@county.stpaul.ab.ca.
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA RESOURCES
For full program details, visit the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program website, including:
- Rural Renewal Stream eligibility
- Employer and job offer requirements
- AAIP contact and inquiry page