JDI, McCain, Cooke Among Six Employers Selected For New Immigration Stream

SAINT JOHN — The Government of New Brunswick has launched a new immigration stream to help address critical labour force vacancies in the province.

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot will provide more flexibility for employers to help attract skilled workers into difficult-to-fill occupations.

Officials from the provincial and federal governments announced the five-year pilot program on Monday.

“New Brunswick has a successful track record with immigration-related pilot programs, which is why we are grateful that the federal government has chosen our province for this one,” Arlene Dunn, minister responsible for Immigration, said in a statement.

“Participating employers will greatly benefit from filling critical vacancies and applicants will find meaningful work in a welcoming community.”

Employers who are taking part will provide skills and language training, as well as guidance and support to the newcomers they bring into the province.

Six employers were selected to participate in the five-year pilot program, including Cooke Aquaculture, J.D. Irving, Ltd., and McCain Foods.

According to the province, the selected employers have been in good standing with the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program, have demonstrated consistent immigrant recruitment practices, have newcomer settlement programs in place, and are willing to provide on-the-job training and language support.

The employers who are taking part have to fulfill several requirements, which include:

• having robust settlement plans for housing and transportation to best support the successful establishment of candidates into their new jobs and communities, with strong commitments to long-term retention;
• having comprehensive human resources planning in place for recruiting and hiring skilled international talent, and for on-the-job skills enhancement;
• providing up to 200 hours of language training, as required, to recruited candidates; and
• offering guidance and support to candidates who may wish to pursue their Canadian secondary education equivalency.

“New Brunswick’s Critical Worker Pilot is an innovative approach that will help employers across New Brunswick meet their specific labour market needs,” federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser said in the release.

“Immigration is not only good for our communities, it is essential. Newcomers play a key role in Atlantic Canadian communities, and in helping businesses succeed.”

The province said the program will be monitored and evaluated regularly so it remains responsive to immigration needs and delivers the highest possible outcomes.

Brad Perry is the news director with CHSJ/Country 94, Huddle content partners.

Editor’s note: This story was last updated on November 9, at 9:32 a.m.