Connecting Nova Scotia Businesses with a Skilled and Stable Workforce
News release
Atlantic Immigration Pilot will help entrepreneurs address labour shortages
April 3, 2018 – Barrington, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connecting entrepreneurs who have the expertise to turn their ideas into successful and growth-oriented companies with skilled immigrants is one way that Canada’s openness can help build a world-class innovation economy. That is why the Government of Canada is working with the Western Regional Enterprise Network (WREN) to raise awareness and help businesses identify gaps in skilled labour and, as a result, hire hundreds of immigrants.
Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margarets, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), spoke today at an information session in Barrington to promote the opportunities available for local businesses to secure skilled employees through immigration. Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, will also speak at an information session in Yarmouth on April 5, 2018.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing a $77,562 contribution to WREN so it can work closely with entrepreneurs and the local business communities in its respective area of the province to build awareness of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and help those facing labour shortages access the pilot.
Making use of this program are companies as diverse as Riverside Lobster International of Meteghan River, Fox Hill Cheese House of Port Williams, and the Citco Group of Companies in Halifax. These are among several firms who recognize that immigration is key to building strong Atlantic communities and improving the region’s ability to compete in a global market.
These investments build on the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is the first initiative of the Strategy and complements existing federal and provincial immigration programs.
Quotes
“Immigrants and immigration make a positive contribution to our economy and to our communities. By consulting with businesses and employers, these projects are building people-to-people relationships between business owners and immigration organizations that will benefit our region for many years to come.”
- Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St Margarets
“Immigration is an important tool to address some of the demographic challenges that are being faced across Canada, especially as they pertain to the labour market and its skills shortages. The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a great example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to help small businesses access the talent they need to compete in today’s global marketplace, as well as linking international graduates and newcomers with jobs in their fields.”
- Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova
“Labour shortages are consistently a top concern for our local employers, making it a primary area of focus for the Western Regional Enterprise Network. Along with accessing local workforce and improving productivity, immigration is a key component to a complex solution. We are pleased to work with our federal and provincial governments in support of employers and to welcome immigrants to our region.”
- Angelique LeBlanc, CEO, Western Regional Enterprise Network
Quick facts
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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.
The AIP came into effect on March 6, 2017, and will run for three years.
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.
Associated links
Contacts
Lori Selig
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-266-7477 (cell)
E-mail: lori.selig@canada.ca
Angelique LeBlanc
CEO
Western Regional Enterprise Network
Phone: 902-881-3008
Email: aleblanc@westernren.ca