Manitoba held the last MPNP Ukraine Special Measures Expression of Interest draw

Manitoba held the last MPNP Ukraine Special Measures Expression of Interest draw

Manitoba held the last MPNP Ukraine Special Measures Expression of Interest draw
On April 30, 2024, the Government of Manitoba held the 25th draw for Ukrainian candidates, and it was the last draw under the special immigration measures for Ukrainian nationals. In this draw, the province invited 451 candidates through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Ukraine Special Measures Expression of Interest (EOI) draw. To be eligible, applicants must be Ukrainian citizens, have a minimum of CLB 4 in each language band, have connections to the province (close relative, community ties, previous employment, or studies in Manitoba), and score at least 60 points in the EOI registration points-grid, and possess a valid language test in one of the official languages. Ukrainians who meet MPNP eligibility criteria can still submit their Expression of Interest applications and participate in regular EOI draws. The province invited 2,676 candidates in 2024, including 902 Ukrainian nationals.

Manitoba, #MPNP, #Ukrainian_nationals, #Ukraine

BC invited skilled candidates under the BCPNP
On April 30, 2024, the Government of British Columbia conducted the most recent invitation draws within the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP), extending invitations to skilled candidates in both the general draw and specific occupational categories, including healthcare, childcare, construction, and veterinary care. In the general draw, 47 candidates were invited, with a minimum score requirement of 107 points. Additionally, nine invitations were issued to candidates scoring 91 points in the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202). In the Healthcare-targeted draw, nine candidates scoring 100 points were invited, and nine invitations were extended to candidates in the construction sector, all requiring a minimum score of 93 points. Lastly, up to five invitations were granted to candidates in veterinary care occupations. British Columbia issued up to 79 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in this draw. So far this year, British Columbia has invited up to 2,929 candidates.

British_Columbia, #BCPNP, #EEBC, #Skills_Immigration, #PNP, #ECE, #construction_workers, #veterinary_care

PEI’s immigration policy cuts hurt businesses
Prince Edward Island’s government policy to reduce immigration, aiming to manage population growth, is causing concerns for employers, impacting immigrant workers in the sales and service sector. Chambers of Commerce express disappointment at not being consulted and urge collaborative solutions. CEOs highlight significant disruptions in operations due to employee losses. While immigration is crucial for economic growth, the province faces housing shortages. Efforts to boost housing include strategies for affordable homes, acknowledging a crisis since 2018. The PEI Office of Immigration prioritizes skilled workers in high-demand sectors but excludes sales and service, which are crucial for economic vitality.

PEI, #Prince_Edward_Island, #job_market, #housing_shortages

Canada saw job drops and vacancies rise in February
According to Statistics Canada, in February 2024, Canadian payroll employment dipped by 17,700 (-0.1 percent) from January, though it increased by 154,700 (+0.9 percent) year over year. Job vacancies rose to 656,700 (+3.4 percent) from January, fluctuating across sectors. Seven out of twenty sectors saw payroll employment decreases, notably in accommodation and food services, which lost 10,000 jobs (-0.8 percent). Manufacturing and retail trade also declined. However, gains were observed in public administration (+0.5 percent) and finance and insurance (+0.8 percent). Accommodation and food services, manufacturing, and retail trade experienced significant reductions in job vacancies, while transportation and warehousing, as well as finance and insurance, saw increases. Ontario and Alberta saw job vacancies increase, while British Columbia had the highest job vacancy rate at 4.3 percent, reflecting regional variations in the job market.

Statistics_Canada #labour_market, #job_vacancies