Government has signed two-year agreements with the Cape Breton Partnership and Western Regional Enterprise Network to help employers attract immigrants to fill skilled labour shortages.
The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration will work with both organizations to support and advance the employer-driven Atlantic Immigration Pilot to help businesses attract and retain global talent. This is in addition to an agreement with Halifax Partnership announced in July.
“Growing our economy, for the benefit of all Nova Scotians, is a top priority across government,” said Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. “By partnering with these organizations, we are positioned to attract more immigrants to live and work in Nova Scotia. This work will help employers fill persistent labour gaps and grow our economy.”
Together, both organizations plan to attract 37 employers in the first year of the agreement, which would offer 100 positions to skilled workers to relieve pressing labour market needs.
More than 275 companies across the province have already submitted applications to participate in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
“The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is an excellent opportunity to fill labour gaps that some employers in the region are trying to manage,” said Keith MacDonald, president and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We look forward to working alongside our provincial and federal partners to ensure a positive response from local industry and to help bring newcomers and their talents to Cape Breton.”
“We are pleased to partner on this employer-focused immigration pilot,” said Angélique LeBlanc, CEO of Western Regional Enterprise Network. “It is an important tool for regional businesses seeking to access a much-needed workforce.”
Launched in March 2017, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot is an innovative partnership between the four Atlantic provinces and the Government of Canada to help businesses of all sizes attract and retain skilled foreign workers and international graduates to fill labour gaps.
Before being eligible to recruit internationally through immigration programs, Nova Scotia employers are required to demonstrate that they have tried to hire Nova Scotians, Canadians or other permanent residents first.
To learn more, employers should contact the Office of Immigration at 1-877-292-9597 or email immigration@novascotia.ca.
Source: Release