In June, the Province of Manitoba launched a series of public meetings to inform its recommendations on improvements to Manitoba’s current immigration policies and programs.
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Jon Reyes was in Winkler and Altona last Thursday (Aug 4th). Winkler drew a crowd requiring a larger room.
Reyes explained the purpose of gathering people in immigration services and volunteers, community leaders and businesses in one place.
"We created the Provincial Nominee Program back in 1998. Back from 1998 till now (2022), there's always ways we can improve and enhance a flagship program Manitoba is very proud of, because we started that program other provinces have emulated. So, it's very important, for me, to be here at the grassroots level to get the feedback of stakeholders, local employers, people that have actually used the program, and ways that we can improve those streams that we can control, provincially, so newcomers can make Manitoba their home."
Reyes shared some of the feedback he received.
"What I've heard today is that people can't wait, in terms of getting more people to work in their local communities. I, as the Minister in charge in the province, want to do everything I can control, to expedite that process. That means also communicating with the Federal Government because at the end of the day, they have that final stamp of approval when it comes to immigration."
In Altona, presentations were made by SEED - Altona/Rhineland Economic Development, settlement services agency Regional Connections, and Friesen's Corporation. While SEED and Friesens Corp. work through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, which runs through the Federal Government, a good discussion was had comparing the two programs. The need for local services to provide Social Insurance Numbers and Manitoba Health Cards was echoed by all three organizations, requesting help for newcomers upon their arrival. Presently, they have to go to Winnipeg and Morden for these services.
In Winkler, presentations from Morden, Winkler/Stanley Immigration streams were presented along with Regional Connections. Questions were posed from employers with needs for general labourers regarding the challenges around the narrow qualifications such as skilled workers only, while others shared the challenges of skilled workers who experience barriers with Foreign Credential Recognitions, forcing them to be underemployed. While others working directly with newcomers, including the new influx of displaced Ukrainians, asked about systemic supports such as available housing, transportation and childcare during the question-and-answer period.
Reyes addressed some of these concerns.
"Realistically we're going to get recommendations from our Immigration Advisory Council in terms of criteria, in terms of immigrating here, in terms of the points. I've heard from a rural standpoint, there should be more points considered for those who are moving specifically to this region, as well as Foreign Credential Recognition's. We're going to have to address that and communicate with the regulatory bodies, because we know that we need more internationally educated professionals, than just doctors, nurses in these areas of Manitoba."
