New immigration program takes off in St. John’s

Apr 29, 2017 | Press Room

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Board of Trade helps employers find the workers they need

The St. John’s Board of Trade hosted an information session Friday to help employers facilitate immigration to the province.

The session explored the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP), which hopes to attract and retain skilled immigrant workers. AIPP will see employers take a leading role in supporting and settling immigrants and their families.
Dorothy Keating, chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade, said initiatives such as AIPP are vital to addressing labour challenges in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“There (are) more people set to retire than are entering the labour force. We need immigration to fill the forthcoming vacancies, to grow and diversify our economy,” said Keating.

The program will target international students currently attending Memorial University and skilled workers.

Julie Lewis, of Sassy Tuna Studios, said she is encouraged by the Board of Trade’s initiative.

“We all need to make our world a little bit bigger, especially given our economic situation. It’s our responsibility as employers,” she said.

The vice-president of Work Global Canada, Wanda Cuff-Young, said the program is promising, but there are challenges.

“These programs are very progressive. However, it is an Atlantic Canadian initiative. Every place has different needs. The immigration needs of a place like Forteau, Labrador, are going to be very different from Halifax,” said Cuff-Young.

The provincial government has committed to bringing in 1,700 immigrants annually by 2022.

Source: The Telegram