Manitoba Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino returned from Ottawa after federal officials rejected her province’s request for longer work permits and more nominees. The meeting took place in the week of April nine, 2024[1].

The outcome matters because Manitoba is grappling with deep‑seated labour shortages in sectors ranging from health care to manufacturing. Extending work permits and increasing Provincial Nominee Program allocations would give employers a steadier pipeline of skilled workers, easing pressure on the province’s economy[1].

Marcelino travelled to the capital accompanied by a delegation of Manitoba business leaders, presenting data on unfilled jobs and projected economic growth. The group argued that the current federal limits on work‑permit duration and nominee numbers hindered the province’s ability to retain talent and attract new investment[1].

Federal officials, however, said the requests did not align with national immigration targets and declined to grant extensions or additional nominations. The decision was communicated to the Manitoba delegation during the same meeting, leaving the province without the desired policy changes[2].

“​We came to Ottawa with a clear business case for extending work permits and adding more nominees, but the federal government said no,” Marcelino said[1]. Marcelino said, “​I’ll keep pushing for increases despite the nos. from Ottawa.” Marcelino said she will continue to engage with the federal government and explore alternative avenues to address the labour gap[1].

Looking ahead, Marcelino said her office will submit a detailed report to the federal immigration department and schedule follow‑up discussions with other provincial leaders. Marcelino said that Manitoba will not abandon its efforts to secure a more flexible immigration framework, even as Ottawa maintains its current stance[1].

**What this means** – The rebuff underscores the tension between provincial economic needs and the federal government’s immigration priorities. Without changes to work‑permit rules or PNP allocations, Manitoba may have to rely on temporary measures, such as short‑term foreign workers, which could perpetuate the province’s labour shortages and limit long‑term growth.

“We came to Ottawa with a clear business case for extending work permits and adding more nominees, but the federal government said no.”

The rebuff underscores the tension between provincial economic needs and the federal government’s immigration priorities. Without changes to work‑permit rules or PNP allocations, Manitoba may have to rely on temporary measures, such as short‑term foreign workers, which could perpetuate the province’s labour shortages and limit long‑term growth.