We’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), Canada’s First Provincial Nominee Program.

Timeline

1996 – The first bilateral framework agreement, the Canada-Manitoba Immigration Agreement, is signed, paving the way for the MPNP.

1997 – Manitoba launches pilot immigration initiatives to increase migration to rural Manitoba.

1998 – Manitoba signs a PNP Annex, implementing Canada’s first Provincial Nominee Program.

1999 – The first 418 provincial nominees arrive in Manitoba, marking the start of immigration growth to the province.

2001 – Manitoba launches a nomination stream for business applicants, allowing for direct investment and job creation by newcomers.

2004-2006 – The MPNP transitions to six new skilled worker streams to increase program flexibility and increase immigration levels to 10,000 principal applicants.

2007 – The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act is introduced to ensure regulator practices are objective, transparent, impartial, and fair.

2008 – Manitoba introduces the Worker Recruitment and Protection Act to protect foreign workers, the first Act of its kind in Canada.

2010 – Manitoba Start opens, providing newcomers a focal point for employment, settlement, and language training supports upon arrival.

2013 – The MPNP completes the transition to electronic application and assessment, modernizing the process.

2014 – Manitoba’s 100,000th provincial nominee arrives in the province, marking the peak of 15 years of growth.

2017 – The MPNP nominates 2,713 applicants with job offers, accounting for over 54% of the total number of nominees and marking the highest number/proportion to date.

2018 – The MPNP renews program criteria to improve immigrant outcomes, including opportunities for Francophone immigration and settlement in rural communities.

Facts and Figures

• The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program was created “to provide Manitoba with a mechanism to increase the economic benefit of immigration to Manitoba based on industrial and economic priorities and labour market conditions.” Manitoba PNP Annex, 1998
• The MPNP drives population growth in Manitoba, nominating skilled working-age people who are staying in the province. Because of the MPNP, Manitoba’s population has had net positive growth since 2006.

Without the MPNP, Manitoba’s GDP growth would be up to 30% lower. Over 90% of Provincial Nominees are employed within their first year in Manitoba. Manitoba retains almost 90% of Provincial Nominees. Over 130,000 Provincial Nominees have landed since 1998. Over $308 million invested in Manitoba by MPNP Business nominees to date. Over 90% of economic immigrants to Manitoba arrive through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program