The federal government has halved Manitoba’s provincial nominee program allocations for 2025, reducing the slots from 9,500 in 2024 to just 4,750. This program, pivotal to Manitoba’s workforce growth, allows nominees to bring their families, amplifying its economic impact.
Provincial Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino criticized the decision, warning it will exacerbate labor shortages and hurt businesses across the province. “We need as many skilled workers as we can get,” Marcelino stated, urging Ottawa to reconsider.
Manitoba had requested 12,000 nominees for 2025 to address pressing workforce gaps. However, the federal government has implemented nationwide immigration cuts to stabilize population growth and alleviate housing shortages, primarily affecting urban centers.
Marcelino argued Manitoba’s unique circumstances should exempt it from these reductions, as the province relies heavily on the program for its economic stability. In 2024, over 70% of Manitoba’s immigrants arrived through the nominee program.
The provincial nominee program, launched in Manitoba in 1998 and later adopted nationally, has played a critical role in the province’s economic development. Marcelino vowed to advocate for federal support to address the province’s immigration needs despite Ottawa’s reduced quotas.
Source: Welcome to Canada, CBC.
