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Adapting Immigration Programs to Meet Labor Market Demands in Atlantic Canada

  • SimpleLegal
  • May 20
  • 3 min read

Provincial immigration programs in Atlantic Canada are undergoing significant changes to better align with the evolving labor market needs. Recent updates from Prince Edward Island (PEI) highlight the introduction of new designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), while also addressing the challenges posed by federal immigration targets.

Key Takeaways

  • PEI has added 20 new designated employers to the AIP, focusing on high-demand sectors.

  • The province has removed 14 employers from its designated list, reflecting changing labor needs.

  • Federal immigration targets have been reduced, impacting the number of newcomers eligible for permanent residency.

  • The restaurant industry is particularly affected by these changes, facing staffing shortages as a result.

New Designated Employers in PEI

On May 15, 2025, PEI announced an updated list of designated employers for the AIP, which is crucial for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. The new list includes 20 additional employers, particularly in sectors experiencing high demand, such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. This brings the total number of designated employers in PEI to 364.

Newly Recognized Designated Employers:

  • 100367 PEI Inc. (The Pilot House)

  • 100542 PEI Inc. (FastSigns)

  • 9892788 Canada Inc. (Stay Golden Customs)

  • Highfield Construction Company Ltd.

  • CBI Island Health Centre Inc.

  • Maritime Industrial Services 2022 Inc.

  • Tethys Aquaculture Canada, Inc.

  • And more.

Conversely, 14 employers have been removed from the list, indicating a shift in the province's labor market focus. Notably, employers like Island Abbey Food Science Ltd. and Silver Fox Entertainment Complex are no longer recognized as designated employers.

Impact of Federal Immigration Targets

The recent federal immigration targets set by Prime Minister Mark Carney have raised concerns among various sectors in PEI, particularly the restaurant industry. The federal government has pledged to cap the total number of temporary workers and international students to less than five percent of Canada’s population by the end of 2027. This decision has led to a significant reduction in PEI's immigration allocations for 2025, halving the number of newcomers the province can nominate for permanent residency to just 1,025.

Janick Cormier, vice-president for Atlantic Canada at Restaurants Canada, expressed alarm over these cuts, stating that they will severely impact the food service industry, especially during the busy tourism season. Many restaurants rely heavily on foreign labor to maintain operations, and without access to this workforce, they may face difficult decisions regarding staffing and service hours.

Challenges for the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant sector in PEI is grappling with two main challenges:

  1. Pandemic Aftermath: Many employees left the industry during the pandemic for more stable employment, leading to a labor shortage.

  2. Demographic Shifts: The aging population in Atlantic Canada has resulted in a smaller workforce, necessitating the hiring of foreign workers to fill essential roles.

Citing the human element of these immigration policies, Cormier highlighted the emotional toll on workers who are forced to leave Canada due to the lack of pathways to permanent residency. The restrictions on the AIP and the Provincial Nominee Program mean that many service sector workers are left without options, leading to heartbreaking stories of individuals who must return to their home countries after building their lives in Canada.

Conclusion

As PEI adapts its immigration programs to meet labor market demands, the balance between federal targets and provincial needs remains a critical issue. The recent changes to designated employers under the AIP reflect an effort to address immediate labor shortages, but the broader implications of federal immigration policies continue to pose challenges for industries reliant on foreign labor, particularly in the hospitality sector.

Sources

  • Prince Edward Island designates new employers for the Atlantic Immigration Program, CIC News.

  • Atlantic Canada can lose workers under Carney's immigration target, says restaurant group, CBC.

 
 
 

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