The Manitoba government has announced a new initiative to retain skilled workers by extending work permits for temporary residents eligible to apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
This move, aimed at addressing the province’s labour market needs, was confirmed by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino on Wednesday.
“At a time when skilled labour is in high demand, our government is making sure that people who are already in the province, who have contributed economically and who have expressed a desire to call Manitoba home are given that opportunity,” said Marcelino. She emphasized that the province’s agreement with the federal government would facilitate a pathway to citizenship for these workers.
The province signed a letter of intent with federal authorities on Aug. 21, which will allow eligible candidates identified under the MPNP to apply for work permit extensions. Up to 6,700 temporary workers in Manitoba are expected to benefit from this policy, enabling them to remain in the province while their applications to the MPNP are processed.
Marcelino noted that within two years, these workers could receive nominations through the provincial nominee program, further solidifying their path to permanent residency.
To support the processing of applications under the new public policy, the province is allocating resources to speed up the process. Five temporary full-time positions will be added for the 2024-25 fiscal year. These roles are intended to help expedite applications for individuals whose immigration status is set to expire and ensure full use of the province’s 2024 allocation of 9,500 nominees.
This initiative comes as Manitoba continues to face challenges in meeting its labour market demands, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on skilled workers.