New Brunswick will significantly increase its immigration intake to address labour shortages across key sectors. The provincial government confirmed it has secured 4,250 permanent resident nominations for 2025—an increase of 1,500 from the previous allocation set by the federal government in February.
According to Immigration News Canada (INC), this new allocation exceeds that of British Columbia by 250 nominations for the same period, positioning New Brunswick as a proactive participant in Canada’s immigration and workforce development strategy.
Focused Sectors for Skilled Immigrant Integration
The provincial government has outlined specific industries where labour shortages are most critical. These include healthcare, education, and construction.
As stated, immigration efforts will prioritise individuals with relevant qualifications to meet workforce demands in these sectors.
Reports indicate that the need for healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors has increased due to an ageing population and growing service requirements. The expanded immigration quota will enable the province to recruit internationally trained healthcare workers.
Schools and institutions in the education sector report shortages of qualified teachers and support staff. The immigration plan seeks to fill these roles by bringing in educators from abroad to meet staffing needs.
Construction is another focus, with ongoing infrastructure projects requiring skilled tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. The increase in permanent resident nominations is expected to help supply this labour.
Coordinated Asylum Initiative with Federal Support
As part of the agreement with the federal government, New Brunswick has also committed to resettling 400 asylum claimants over the next two years. The federal government will support this effort with $14.1 million through the Interim Housing Assistance Program.
This funding will cover temporary housing and settlement services, easing the integration of asylum claimants into local communities and the workforce.
Federal Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab noted the importance of collaboration between provincial and federal governments.
“With new federal funding through the Interim Housing Assistance Program, we’re taking a more coordinated and sustainable approach to provide temporary housing and help asylum claimants settle and start building their lives in communities across Canada,” she said.
New Brunswick officials plan to meet with interested asylum claimants in the coming weeks to facilitate their relocation and connection to support services.
Industry Groups Respond to Expanded Immigration Plan
Several major industry groups in New Brunswick have supported the increase in immigration quotas. Employers and business associations say the move is important to help fill ongoing worker shortages.
Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Vice President for Atlantic Canada at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, pointed out the scale of the challenge facing employers.
“With 51% of small business owners in NB reporting shortages in qualified labour as their most important issue across the first quarter of the year, every opportunity needs to be seized to match skilled workers to jobs,” he said.
Organisations such as the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Multicultural Council have also expressed support, citing the economic importance of a stable and skilled workforce. Major employers like Irving are expected to benefit from access to a larger labour pool.
Provincial Plan to Support Newcomer Integration
Alongside increasing immigration numbers, New Brunswick is developing settlement supports for newcomers. These include language training, housing assistance, and employment services to help integrate immigrants into local communities.
The province has stated it will work directly with employers to match skilled immigrants to available jobs. It also plans to engage with asylum claimants interested in relocating to New Brunswick and connect them with relevant services and job opportunities.
This dual focus on attraction and integration shows the province’s goal of ensuring newcomers can contribute meaningfully to the labour market while building sustainable lives in New Brunswick.
