Someone is putting up billboards in the U.S. to lure American workers to Canada
There are plenty of good things about Canada: Nanaimo bars, for one. Moose. Rachel McAdams. And also, apparently, our technology industry, if one company's eye-catching billboard campaign in the Silicon Valley is anything to go by.
Communitech, a Kitchener company that champions the Canadian tech industry, has splashed out $100,000 on nine billboards stationed along Highway 101 from San Francisco to Santa Clara.
The billboards ask things like, "What if my visa gets cancelled?" and "What if I lose my job and health insurance?" against the backdrop of the Canadian flag.
And in true Canadian fashion, the company tweeted a version with a good old fashioned "sorry" thrown in.
If you're a US tech worker affected by today's announcement:
— Communitech (@Communitech) August 11, 2020
1. We're so sorry.
2. We're here to help.
Check out https://t.co/24vpx1L55a to learn more about tech jobs available at Canadian tech magnates in today's proximity-optional world 🇨🇦. #MozillaLifeBoat pic.twitter.com/MKwA4womH6
The campaign is a clever response to the recent suspension of some work visas by President Donald Trump in June, including the H-1B visa, a popular visa among tech workers.
Communitech is hoping to capitalize on the uncertainty that a lot of American tech workers are facing right now by offering them a promising alternative: Canada.
Canada’s innovation ecosystem could benefit from U.S. tech workers seeking alternative options. Learn how Canadian startups can access great talent south of the border with Communitech Outposts: https://t.co/YlnA2vePLG pic.twitter.com/V0kewLorHG
— Communitech (@Communitech) August 24, 2020
And Communitech isn't the only Canadian tech company to try to lure American workers north of the border following the H-1B visa suspension; Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke also extended a welcoming hand.
"If this affects your plans consider coming to Canada," Lutke wrote on June 23. "Canada is awesome. Give it a try."
Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn has also said that he will consider moving his billion-dollar Pittsburgh tech company to Canada if strict U.S. immigration policies persist.
Communitech
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