News Release - Canada and New Brunswick renew Provincial Nominee Agreement

OTTAWA, March 29, 2005 — The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and the Honourable Peter Mesheau, Minister of Business New Brunswick, today announced the renewal of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Agreement.

“I am pleased that Canada and New Brunswick enjoy such a positive and cooperative relationship on immigration matters,” said Minister Volpe. “This renewed agreement reinforces the ongoing commitment of the Government of Canada to continue to collaborate with the provinces on our immigration programs,” he added.

“This agreement will help us attract the skilled workers and entrepreneurs we need to strengthen the New Brunswick economy,” said Minister Mesheau. “The Government of Canada’s willingness to negotiate agreements specifically tailored to the needs of our labour market illustrates how we can put the benefits of immigration to work for New Brunswick,” he said.

The renewal of the Provincial Nominee Program allows New Brunswick to select immigrants to fulfill specific economic needs, or create and expand employment and business opportunities. Canada retains the responsibility for issuing immigrant visas to provincial nominees and their accompanying dependants after they have met all federal legislative requirements, including those related to health, criminality and security.

The Government of Canada also has provincial nominee agreements in place with Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Yukon.

For more information (media only):

Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
(613) 954-1064

Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Communications Branch
(613) 952-0740

Sarah Ketcheson
Communications Officer
Business New Brunswick
(506) 444-4983

Backgrounder:

• Canada-New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Agreement