Premier Doug Ford says Ontario is going to invest another $25 million into its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) over the next three years to handle the anticipated doubling of skilled immigrants coming to Canada through it. 

“Our government is ready to welcome more skilled newcomers to Ontario, to help build the highways, transit, schools, homes and hospitals our growing population needs,” said Ford. 

“As we continue to tackle historic labour shortages, we’re doing everything we can to ensure we have the workforce to help build Ontario. It’s all hands on deck.”

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The infusion of money comes only days after the province announced it is hoping to double economic immigration through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) over the next few years.

“From 9,000 immigration spots in 2021 to over 18,000 in 2025, (this) announcement is a significant win for the people of Ontario and will help us control our economic destiny by selecting more of the skilled immigrants we know are well-placed to succeed and build stronger communities for all of us,” said provincial Immigration Minister Monte McNaughton.

The announcement on March 18 of the doubling of immigration through the OINP came in the wake of the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax.

Last year, Ontario welcomed 19,220 new permanent residents through its OINP, roughly 10.4 per cent of the total 184,940 new permanent residents to the province, the latest Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data reveals.

Since it is the most populous province in Canada, Ontario regularly gets the biggest share of immigrants to the country, with almost 42.3 per cent of new permanent residents to Canada last year choosing to settle there.

“Every year, more immigrants come to Ontario than any other province,” said McNaughton. “It is critical to ensure we have the resources to select and welcome those best placed to succeed, building stronger communities for everyone.”

The latest funds, earmarked in the province’s Building a Strong Ontario 2023 budget are in addition to the $15 million over three years announced last year.

McNaughton has been calling on Ottawa to double the number of immigrants allowed under the OINP to tackle the province’s labour shortages since at least April 2021.

Business Leaders Say Their Industries Facing Serious Labour Shortages In Ontario

Ontario reached its allocation of 9,750 immigrants through the OINP in 2022, including 3,900 skilled trades workers, 2,200 software and IT workers, and nearly 100 nurses and personal support workers.

“As we remain focused on addressing the acute labour market shortages and building a strong economy into the future, one thing remains certain: immigration is a key part of the solution,” said federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.

“As Canada’s flagship regional economic immigration program, the Provincial Nominee Program’s (PNP) increasing growth will support the long-term well-being of communities in Ontario.”

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Business leaders in Ontario have been quick to praise the move to boost economic immigration to the province.

“Ontario’s new car dealers are in dire need of automotive technicians and auto body repairers and this announcement will help attract workers for these well-paying careers that are waiting for them today,” said Frank Notte, director of government relations for the Trillium Automobile Dealers’ Association.

Trucking industry reps agreed.

“Since gaining access to the OINP in 2019, the Ontario trucking industry has continued to welcome newcomers to our sector to help fill key job vacancies,” said Jonathan Blackham, the director of policy and public affairs for the Ontario Trucking Association.

“As the past few years have shown, bolstering the trucking sector’s labour market is one of the surest ways we can help strengthen the supply chain and keep the economy moving. Today’s announcement is not only positive for our sector, it’s positive for all businesses and Ontarians who rely on the trucking industry to deliver the essential goods and products they need every day.”

Under the OINP, the province nominates applicants for permanent residence who have the skills and experience to contribute to Ontario’s economy. This provides a much-needed source of labour to fill the 300,000 jobs that were going begging for a lack of workers in December last year.

“For decades, immigrants have developed our communities, supported our economy, and made Ontario what it is today,” said Andrew Pariser, vice-president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario.

“This will help fill critical labour shortages in the construction and reduce barriers for immigrants to gaining employment and making a living in Ontario.”