Manitoba, like other provinces, is having issues bringing in and retaining immigrants, many of whom move onto other places in Canada, particularly the big cities of Toronto and Vancouver. U-Multicultural journalist Lourdes Federis interviews the new provincial minister in charge of immigration in this program about the new plans.

Recognizing the great need for immigrants for the economic well-being of the province and to add to the fabric of communities, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino of the new NDP government says that they are working hard to attract people from overseas.

She says that her first line of work is to reduce accreditation barriers for professionals with a particular emphasis on health professionals, including veterinarians. The government will also be working to improve the chances of immigrants who have family connections in the province.

This has prompted a strategic transformation of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. By prioritizing family connections, the program aims to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs who not only possess the necessary qualifications but also have a genuine desire to build their lives in Manitoba with the support of their loved ones.

Having family ties has many advantages in that the welcoming families often take in their relatives, help them acculturate, and provide living space for them until they are able to settle on their own. Also, these new immigrants with family ties, which would include good friends, are more likely to stay.

While the federal government gives each province an annual quota for immigrants, says the Minister, sometimes it is not filled, in part because the processing takes time and effort. The new government will be hiring more people to get the processing done.

The Minister says that she meets with many businesses and enterprises across the province who have need for good employees. The issues are particularly acute in Northern and rural areas.