“`html
New Brunswick Boosts Immigration Quota After Prosperous Federal Negotiations
Table of Contents
health, education, and construction sectors.">
New Brunswick has successfully negotiated an increase of 1,500 permanent immigration positions with the federal government, offering renewed hope to prospective residents. This decision follows concerns raised by the province regarding the potential impact of earlier federal immigration target reductions on new Brunswick’s economic growth.
Reversal of Immigration Cuts Benefits New brunswick
In january 2025, the Canadian federal government announced a significant reduction in its permanent immigration targets for the year. The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), a crucial driver of economic immigration in the province, faced a cut from 5,500 places in 2024 to just 2,750. This prompted strong opposition from provincial officials, who argued that such a drastic decrease woudl severely hinder the province’s economic prospects.
Did You Know? Canada aims to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents each year by 2025 to combat aging population and labor shortages [1].
After several weeks of discussions between fredericton and Ottawa, the federal government agreed to increase New Brunswick’s allocation by 1,500 spots, bringing the total to 4,250 for the current year. While still below the 2024 level, this increase is viewed as a positive step given the circumstances.
Strategic Immigration to Address Labor Shortages
the province expressed its gratitude to Ottawa for its adaptability in a press release, with Jean-Claude d’Amours, New Brunswick’s minister of immigration, emphasizing the importance of these newcomers in addressing the province’s labor demands. This underscores the perception of immigration as a solution to labor shortages rather than a burden on the system.
To maximize the economic benefits of these additional immigration slots, New Brunswick intends to prioritize skilled workers in three key sectors: healthcare, education, and specific construction trades. Other sectors may also be considered based on availability.
Sector-specific Concerns and Broader Economic Impact
However, the news has not been universally welcomed. Janick Cormier, vice-president for the atlantic region at Restaurants Canada, expressed disappointment, highlighting the acute labor shortages in the food service industry. Cormier noted the uncertainty surrounding the future of temporary immigrants hired during the pandemic, emphasizing their critical role: “No cook, no food, no restaurant.”
Pro Tip: Explore provincial nominee programs for pathways to Canadian permanent residence if you possess skills in high-demand occupations.
Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Atlantic vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), offered a more measured response, welcoming the increase while advocating for further adjustments to immigration ceilings.gauthier stated, “Given the reality of the shortage of skilled labor, it will be one more asset. But you have to review the ceilings.”
Asylum Seeker Support and Balanced Approach
Along with the increase in immigration spots, Fredericton has committed to welcoming 400 asylum seekers over the next two years, supported by $14.1 million in federal funding to address
