Manitoba announces a new pilot pathway to permanent residency to address labor market shortages in the rural west-central region.

The West Central Immigration Initiative pilot will see the province collaborate with seven rural municipalities and Gambler First Nation.  

The West-Central Immigration Initiative partners are:

  • Municipality of Russell-Binscarth
  • Rural Municipality of Yellowhead
  • Municipality of Roblin
  • Rural Municipality of Ellice-Archie
  • Rural Municipality of Riding Mountain West
  • Rossburn Municipality
  • Prairie View Municipality
  • Gambler First Nation

According to a survey of 85 employers in the region, approximately 240-300 people will be needed over the next three years to meet labor needs due to new jobs, replacements, retirements, and general growth. 

Moreover, according to Manitoba Minister of Labor and Immigration Malaya Marcelino, this pilot will help address labor market and success planning needs and enable economic and community growth. 

The minister stated that this new initiative will help respond to local needs for skilled workers in rural Manitoba and ensure that Manitoba continues to be a welcoming province.  

The pilot builds on Manitoba’s current regional immigration initiatives in Winkler-Stanley, Morden and the Parkland region. 

According to the minister, the province will continue to work with other regional and rural municipalities to develop similar initiatives. 

What Is An Immigration Pilot? 

Manitoba announces a new pilot pathway to permanent residency. The nation launches such immigration pilots from time to time to address specific regional or sectoral labor shortages and support growth in certain areas or sectors.  

Immigration pilot programs are usually introduced through collaboration between different levels of government, such as the federal government, provincial government, and local communities. 

In addition, the eligibility criteria depend on the pilot. Some might require a job offer, while others consider human capital factors like work experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications. 

An example of an ongoing immigration pilot is the Agri-Food Pilot, which addresses the labor needs of the Canadian agri-food sector. 

Pilots generally run for a limited time, up until their end date. Successful pilots can become permanent immigration programs. For instance, the Atlantic Immigration Program succeeded the Atlantic Immigration Pilot in 2022.

Provincial Nominee Programs In Canada 

Manitoba announces a new pilot pathway to permanent residency. Although they share some similarities, pilots differ from Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canada’s provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their economic needs. 

PNPs are not limited in time. They are generally larger in scope than immigration pilots and are based on the needs of the entire province rather than specific industries or local communities. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].