MONCTON, NB, March 31, 2017 /CNW/ - A pilot program to attract more skilled immigrants to Atlantic Canada and retain them is gaining significant interest from employers. To date, almost 200 employers have expressed interest in the program, with over 50 being formally designated. Under the pilot, employers play a key role, with responsibility to help with the recruitment of immigrants and their successful integration into the community.
Federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen and the Honourable Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick Minister for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, met today to discuss progress on the pilot and next steps.
Provinces will be responsible for designating employers to participate in the pilot, and in endorsing applicants who can apply for permanent residency. Provinces will also have an enhanced coordination role in facilitating connections between employers, settlement service providers and other government services.
Quotes
"I'm pleased to say we are off to a good start. Employers have been keen to get involved and provinces have started to receive applications from employers who wish to participate in the pilot. I look forward to continuing to work with our partners – including provincial governments, employers and settlement service provider organizations – as we move forward with this dynamic component of Canada's Atlantic Growth Strategy."
–The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
"We are working hard getting things done to create jobs, secure health care and grow the economy. In the midst of an aging and shrinking population, welcoming skilled foreign workers and repatriating former New Brunswickers will help our province meet its labour needs and grow the economy."
–The Honourable Donald Arseneault, New Brunswick Minister for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
IRCC is now accepting permanent residence applications for three programs under the pilot: the Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program; the Atlantic High-Skilled Program; and the Atlantic International Graduate Program, aimed at international students.
Quick facts
- The Atlantic Immigration Pilot was developed in collaboration with the four Atlantic provinces. It will help address the pressing labour market needs of the Atlantic region by giving businesses that need skilled workers the ability to fill job vacancies quickly using permanent immigration programs.
- Eligible skilled immigrants and international graduate students with a job offer from a designated employer in one of the Atlantic provinces, and an endorsement from that province, can now apply for permanent residence.
- Up to 2,000 applications will be processed in 2017 for principal applicants and accompanying family members.
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SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Camielle Edwards, Minister's Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]
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