City launches immigration program
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/11/2024 (434 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The City of Brandon launched the Brandon Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Immigration Initiative (BMPNP II) Thursday afternoon to address skilled labour shortages.
Officials, including Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Manitoba’s Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, and the city’s economic development director, Gerald Cathcart, told the Sun the program is significant to Brandon’s economic development, outlining its key distinctions from the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).
“The BMPNP II, a provincial nominee program specifically tailored for Brandon, aims to attract both skilled workers and business investors to the region,” he said. “It differentiates itself from the RNIP by focusing more intently on skilled labour gaps in areas such as health care, construction and manufacturing, while also introducing a new entrepreneurial stream to help fill succession gaps as local business owners retire.”
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett speaks at Brandon City Hall during the announcement of a new collaboration between the city and the Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration on Thursday. The Wheat City and the province are introducing a new immigration effort, called the Brandon Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program Immigration Initiative. (Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
The program, he explained, is critical for the city because it was designed to meet the city’s unique needs, including enhancing the local workforce with skilled newcomers who will contribute to the long-term economic growth of the city.
“Our new entrepreneurial stream also allows newcomers to invest actively in businesses, especially in sectors with ownership gaps, like health care,” he said. “International entrepreneurs with a net worth of at least $500,000 can qualify for BMPNP II if they commit to a minimum $150,000 investment in a Brandon-based business. Endorsed candidates in both streams will receive priority in the provincial nomination process.”
The program, which has received backing from a range of local stakeholders including the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Prairie Mountain Health and local clinics, is designed to promote economic resilience in the city and surrounding Westman region, he added.
“Over a renewable three-year period, the initiative will allocate 150 slots in 2024, followed by 100 slots in both 2026 and 2027. It allows flexibility to adapt to changing community needs,” Cathcart said.
Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino commended Brandon’s approach and the city’s readiness to lead with a program reflecting Manitoba’s pioneering efforts in provincial immigration initiatives.
“BMPNP II aligns with the provincial government’s long-term vision for Manitoba’s growth. Our focus isn’t on short-term gains,” she told the Sun. “We’re thinking for the next 100 years, ensuring that all Manitoban communities have what they need to foster economic growth and support newcomer retention.”
Marcelino noted that Manitoba’s high retention rate, particularly in other rural programs like Morden’s, demonstrates the province’s successful integration strategies. She said the key to this success lies in building communities where newcomers feel welcomed and can find meaningful work that matches their skill sets.
During the launch, Cathcart recognized Brandon City Council for supporting the program, noting that council’s understanding of immigration’s role in workforce development was instrumental in the program’s planning.
“We are committed to building a stronger and more resilient workforce and will work closely with employers, the province, and Western Immigrant Services to ensure the newcomers’ smooth integration,” he added
Provincial Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino speaks during Thursday’s announcement. (Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Sun the initiative is seen as a strategic response to regional business succession needs as many local owners approach retirement.
“Through the entrepreneurial stream, newcomers with the skills and resources to sustain or grow these businesses can step into ownership roles, a prospect that is anticipated to drive sustainable economic growth across Brandon,” he said
“As the program gets underway, Brandon is also looking to expand the initiative’s benefits to neighbouring municipalities through partnerships. Brandon will serve as the primary administrator, while neighbouring communities can participate by nominating individuals to address specific local needs.”
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