The Manitoba government invited 328 temporary foreign workers in health care to apply for permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program on Oct. 14. The workers currently serve in hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities across the province.
The invitation came through an expression of interest draw that allows the province to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency based on local labour needs. The workers invited can now apply to remain in Manitoba permanently.
Who received invitations
The draw included 187 health-care aides, 21 physicians, 11 registered nurses and other professionals supporting patient care.
“By making it easier for skilled workers to stay and build their careers here, we’re ensuring the staff needed to provide care in our hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities can be there for Manitobans,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino.
Part of broader recruitment push
Since October 2023, Manitoba has added nearly 3,400 net new health-care workers provincewide, according to the government. The additions form part of a plan to improve patient care across the province.
“Every nurse, health-care aide and doctor we retain strengthens the health-care system and brings us one step closer to a Manitoba where people can get care close to home,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
Impact on rural communities
Two physicians invited through the program currently serve in Killarney. The town faces recruitment challenges common to rural areas compared to larger centres.
“The impact of this draw for Killarney means that we have two doctors who are choosing to stay and make our community their home,” said Janice Smith, mayor of the Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain. “With these new physicians, families can count on care being close to home when it’s needed most.”
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces to nominate workers for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
