Treaty 1 Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg, MB - Dougald Lamont and the Manitoba Liberal Party announced measures today to improve provincial settlement services and reduce financial barriers for new Canadians looking to make a permanent home in Manitoba.
“The beautiful thing about Manitoba is that anybody can be a Manitoban, but under the PCs and NDP alike, we haven’t done enough to make sure we’re providing a proper welcome,” said Dougald Lamont, Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party. “Manitoba Liberals are offering a plan to improve immigration, and make sure that when you get here, you can get to work with the skills and training you have – whether you’re a doctor, a nurse, or any other line of work.”
Manitoba Liberals say Manitoba has to do a better job of not only encouraging new Canadians to choose Manitoba, but to stay once they’ve arrived.
The very first act of the Pallister PC government was to create a $500 “head tax” that was supposed to fund settlement services. There is no evidence that has happened.
Manitoba Liberals commit to:
Negotiate with the Federal Government for a larger percentage of new Canadians immigrating to Manitoba through the provincial nominee program;
Negotiate an enhanced family reunification stream for the Provincial Nominee Program and reduce the application fee from $500 to $50;
Increase francophone immigration targets to further strengthen Manitoba as home of the largest French-speaking community in Western Canada;
Expand financial support and skills upgrading for internationally educated Canadians to meet credential and regulatory standards
Ensure International Students, who are the largest group of immigrants who plan to settle in Manitoba, are covered by Manitoba Health.
“As someone who came to Canada as a sponsor through the family reunification stream, I recognize the importance of enhancing the family reunification to continue growing our province and economy,” said Garry Alejo, Manitoba Liberal Candidate for Burrows.
