Why Provincial Nominee Programs Exist?

Express Entry is generally considered the most prominent pathway for skilled candidates to get PR but a record was set by Provincial Nominee Programs when it invited 40,000 candidates to Canada. First time after the formation of Express Entry in 2015, such a phenomenon was observed when more candidates arrived through Provincial Nominee Program rather than Express Entry.

A lot of people still wonder Why Provincial Nominee Programs Exist and what is their purpose.

Behind the establishment of Provincial Nominee Programs, there is an interesting history and it is very important to know how these programs run if you are ever planning to settle in Canada through any one of the Provincial Nominee Programs. Not every province is suitable for every individual, which is why there should be an understanding of which province is most suitable for you to settle in.

In the mid-1990s, almost 88% of the population of Canada was residing in just three provinces which are still popular to this date, namely, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

This led to non-uniform distribution of population as a significantly lesser population was residing in Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edwards Island, and New Brunswick) and Prairie (Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan). Only 12% of the population was residing among the other 8 provinces, Yukon and Northwest Territories.

As a result, Provincial governments began to search for a way to attract immigrants to their respective provinces with several job opportunities so that they can meet economic and social goals without having to face the shortage of labour. To know elaborately why Provincial Nominee Programs exist, we need to dive deep into the history.

Loss of Winnipeg Jets and Institution of PNP

The hockey team of Manitoba, Winnipeg Jets was forced to move from Manitoba due to financial concerns in 1996. They transitioned to Phoenix which caused widespread heartache among residents.

Due to this, a group of 10 businessmen banded together and created the Business Council of Manitoba (BCM). Business Counsel of Manitoba was created because it was believed that for the growth of Manitoba, more skilled workers are needed. By fulfilling the labour shortage, the economic needs of the provinces can be met.

Immigration was considered the best way possible in order to retain youth and for the growth of the province, both economically and socially. Due to the financial crisis, people began to settle in other provinces.

In 1996, Canada Manitoba Immigration Act was signed by the Provincial Government with the help of BCM. After the stage was set for the implantation of a new immigration policy, further developments followed quickly that could aid Manitoba. This was the event that led to the chain of events resulting in the formation of PNPs, which is why Provincial Nominee Programs exist.

Provincial Nominee Programs provide individuals extreme ease in the process of migration, which is why it is one of the Top Reasons for Immigrants to Move to Canada.

Launch of MPNP and Other Provincial Nominee Programs

In 1997, a pilot program was launched for immigration in rural areas of Manitoba then in the year 1998, Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) became the first ever provincial nominee program in the history of Canada.

In 1999, 418 nominees arrived in the province. Later on, new skilled workers streams were introduced for expanding the availability up to 10,000 applicants between 2004 and 2006. In 2011, Winnipeg Jets return to their home province. Other provinces also launched their own Provincial Nominee Programs after taking a cue from the success of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

In 1998, Saskatchewan and British Columbia also started their own Provincial Nominee Program. In 1999, New Brunswick and Newfoundland, and Labrador launched their own PNPs. Other provinces also followed fast and now there are over 80 PNP programs, except for Nunavut and Quebec. Now after knowing why provincial nominee programs exist, their impact over the years can be discussed now.

Impact of Provincial Nominee Programs Over the Years

For people who are looking to migrate to any particular Canadian province, PNPs are very beneficial. The economic conditions of a particular region are needed to be considered by immigrants, they also need to understand where the demand for their skills is highest and where they can earn maximum from their potential.

Massive growth was seen by PNP in recent years and in 2022, it exceeded the record of Express Entry even after Express Entry being the fastest way to enter Canada. It is likely to do that also in 2023.

In order to fulfill your longtime dream of Settling in Canada, It is important to know why provincial nominee programs exist so that you can evaluate what province is better for you.