The provincial government of New Brunswick publicized a brand new immigration pilot project yesterday i.e. New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP).
The pilot, which is a joint project between federal and provincial governments) targets addressing critical worker shortages in the province of New Brunswick. The pilot plays a very crucial role, as it will provide economic immigration to the province. However, it will also assure settlement services, such as skills and language training, for newcomers arriving through the project.
Arlene Dunn, the minister responsible for Immigration and Opportunities New Brunswick, stated “participating employers will greatly benefit from filling critical vacancies and applicants will find meaningful work in a welcoming community.”
Along with tackling critical labour shortages, the province expresses its concern about retaining newcomers. It recognizes that meaningful work is a prime factor in carrying that out; the pilot is a first step towards dealing with both issues. The NBCWP will work with six chosen employers in New Brunswick:
- Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
- Groupe Savoie Inc.
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- McCain Foods
All these employers were chosen for their outstanding track record in the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), great immigrant recruitment practices, and owing to the fact that they already have the required settlement programs in place. These employers, as part of their participation, should:
- Have effective and robust settlement plans for housing and transportation for supporting the successful establishment of candidates in their new jobs as well as communities, with commitments to long-term retention
- Have wide-ranging human resources planning to recruit and hire skilled global talent, and for on-the-job skills improvement
- Provide up to 200 hours of language training to applicants (as required)
- Offer support and guidance to applicants who are likely to pursue their Canadian secondary education equivalency
The five-year pilot program will not only be monitored but will also be assessed at regular intervals. That way it will remain responsive to immigration needs and delivers the wanted results for New Brunswick.
Alain Bossé – President and COO of Groupe Savoie Inc. – stated “We have a collective goal in mind. The Saint-Quentin region [is] thriving. Thanks to our newcomers, and we continue to support welcoming them in rural New Brunswick.”
