The Canadian government has approved a new measure to support skilled temporary workers in Manitoba.

 The province's request to extend temporary resident status for potential nominees identified under the Provincial Nominee Program has been approved. This measure will allow 6,700 temporary workers to continue working while their applications for the Provincial Nominee Program are being processed.

The goal is for these eligible foreign nationals to eventually become permanent residents within two years. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized the importance of supporting Manitoba's skilled workers to help the province meet its regional economic immigration goals. The Minister of Labour and Immigration, Malaya Marcelino, also highlighted the proactive steps being taken to retain the needed skills and knowledge to build a strong and diverse Manitoba workforce.

The Provincial Nominee Program is a significant contributor to Canada's economic immigration, accounting for nearly 40% of planned economic admissions in 2023. In the same year, almost 157,000 people transitioned from worker status to permanent residence nationally, with over 10,000 people transitioning in Manitoba specifically. The new measure is part of a broader effort by IRCC to stabilize permanent immigration while reducing the percentage of people in Canada who are here as temporary residents. The government is open to exploring options with other provinces and territories to transition a greater portion of current temporary residents to permanent residence and address their labour market needs.

This collaboration with provinces and territories aims to address immigration opportunities and challenges. Overall, the new measure is designed to support the sustainable growth and economic stability of Canada, while contributing significantly to the cultural diversity and enrichment of the country.

Source: Canada.ca