Migration from Quebec into Alberta has doubled

Workers at Acces Emploi, a Francophone employment centre, say they are dealing with a 15 to 20 per cent increase in the number of clients they are helping.

"We're finding it very busy at the centre," said Robert Delphanque, an employment liaison officer at at Acces Emploi, which helps French-speaking newcomers find jobs and improve their English. 

According to figures from Statistics Canada, the number of people moving from Quebec to Alberta has doubled over the past two years.

According to Delphanque, many of his clients have been unable to find work back home. 

"Some have been unemployed for a year," he said. "So they find coming to Edmonton there's more opportunities because of the oil sands."

Acces Emploi sees roughly 350 clients each month on a regular basis, and is currently opening up to 150 new files every month.

In November, around 400 applicants showed up at a job fair held at the centre the centre by 30 edmployers. 

Amand Umuhoza, 23, moved to Edmonton from Quebec three years ago. 

He came out west to learn English and find work. With Access Emploi's help, Umuhoza found a job within three weeks. 

"My first job here, I was driving forklifts in the warehouse, indoors and outdoors," Umuhoza said.

"It's much easier than back east," Umuhoza added. "There's a variety of jobs out here but trades mostly."