Manitoba’s Targeted Recruitment for Skilled Immigration

According to data released by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), the province’s nomination project conducted two simultaneous draws on March 6. One draw was for the “Skilled Worker in Manitoba” project, aimed at local skilled workers, which invited 98 candidates with a minimum score of 861; the other was the “Skilled Worker Overseas” program, designed for overseas applicants, inviting 13 candidates with a minimum score of 724. In total, these programs issued 111 invitation letters, 27 of which included valid Express Entry profile numbers and job search verification codes. This demonstrates Manitoba’s dual focus on leveraging local advantages and actively pursuing international recruitment of high-skilled talent.

Alberta’s Targeted Screening Across Multiple Sectors

Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted multiple rounds of draws from February 7 to March 5, covering streams such as the Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors, Alberta Express Entry Stream – Accelerated Tech Pathway, Alberta Opportunity Stream – Construction, Dedicated Health Care Pathway, and Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway. The data reveal significant differences in the minimum score thresholds and number of invitations among various industries:

• Agriculture: On February 7, Alberta’s Express Entry Project (Priority Sectors) invited 20 candidates with a minimum score of 64.
• Technology: On February 12, the Accelerated Tech Pathway draw invited 63 candidates with a minimum score of 67.
• Construction: On February 14, the Opportunity Stream draw invited 88 candidates with a minimum score of 61.
• Healthcare: Alberta has a dedicated healthcare pathway divided into Express Entry and non-Express Entry streams. On February 18, the Express Entry draw invited 32 candidates (minimum score 47); on February 19, a non-Express Entry draw invited 9 candidates (minimum score 51); subsequently, on February 27, another Express Entry draw invited 22 candidates (minimum score 45), and on February 28, a non-Express Entry draw invited 9 candidates (minimum score 49).
• Law Enforcement: The most recent draw on March 5, conducted through Alberta’s Express Entry Law Enforcement Stream, invited 4 candidates with a minimum score of 48.

Alberta also highlighted that its dedicated healthcare pathway is divided into an “enhanced” route linked to Express Entry and a non-Express Entry route, aiming to provide additional opportunities for candidates who do not meet Express Entry requirements but satisfy other eligibility criteria.

Policy Analysis

The latest initiatives from both provinces not only showcase the flexibility of Canadian local governments in adapting their immigration policies but also underscore a strong commitment to attracting a diverse range of talents. Immigration policies are increasingly geared toward in-demand sectors, giving applicants with relevant occupational backgrounds and local work experience a competitive edge. Through refined segmentation and categorized management, Manitoba and Alberta are actively creating an immigration environment that supports regional economic transformation and upgrading, thereby injecting new vitality into Canada’s future development.