View From the Legislature

In 1998, the then Filmon Government accomplished a first in Canada as it signed an agreement regarding immigration with the federal government of the day. The agreement, which is known as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) became a model for other provinces.

Many of the issues around immigration are the sole jurisdiction of the federal government which governs the standards set for immigration and for border security. However, the 1998 Provincial Nominee Program gave Manitoba more input into the skills it was looking for when new immigrants were being selected. It allowed the province to identify, along with businesses, the skills that were lacking and then targeted potential new Canadians who had those skills.

In this way, a labour market need was being met and businesses were able to help fill the positions that they otherwise could not. This program has proven to be tremendously successful over the past two decades and has been used extensively by many businesses to meet their labour needs including many in southeastern Manitoba. It has also proven to be successful for applicants to the Program because it allowed them to become wage earners much more quickly than they might have otherwise.

Economic migration has been a driving factor in keeping Manitoba’s economy strong and stable. The Nominee Program ensures that skilled immigrants who are able to contribute to the economy immediately are able to come to Manitoba and get to work contributing to our communities.

As the 20th anniversary of the PNP is recognized this year, it stands as a model for how economic and labour market needs can be addressed while providing opportunity to new Canadians.