New Brunswick Pushes For Immigration Exemption To Target Africa

New Brunswick is taking bold steps to attract more immigrants from Africa. The province is looking to negotiate an exemption from federal immigration targets. This move comes as part of a new plan to increase the number of francophone immigrants from six African countries over the next five years.

Targeted African Countries for Immigration Growth

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours, who is also responsible for immigration, announced this plan on Thursday. The provinces' focus will be on attracting more students and workers from Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Senegal, and Tunisia. This will add to the current pool of immigrants, with a focus on building stronger ties with francophone countries in Africa.

Federal Government's Immigration Cuts

The federal government, led by the Liberal party, plans to reduce the number of temporary workers and international students entering the country. They also want to slow the admission of permanent residents. In January, Ottawa announced that it would cut the Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program allocations by half. However, New Brunswick has a different approach and hopes to work around these cuts.

Seeking Exemption from Ottawa's Plan

Jean-Claude D'Amours plans to ask for an exemption from Ottawa’s new immigration cuts once the new federal cabinet is in place. He believes that New Brunswick has different needs compared to other provinces, especially when it comes to immigration. D'Amours explained that New Brunswick will need over 133,000 new people in the next decade to meet its workforce demands.

New Brunswick’s Unique Situation

“We have a different reality here,” said D'Amours. While some provinces may not need as many immigrants, New Brunswick’s needs are growing rapidly. He hopes the federal government will understand this difference and grant the province an exemption to meet its immigration goals.

Optimism About the Future

Despite the challenges, D'Amours is optimistic. He pointed out that the federal government’s push to increase francophone immigration outside Quebec by 12 percent could be a beneficial factor. He is hopeful that this will help New Brunswick make its case for an immigration exemption.

Expanding Trade Ties with Africa

Along with boosting immigration, the province is focusing on expanding trade ties with francophone African nations. D'Amours emphasized that New Brunswick needs to diversify its trade relationships, especially in light of ongoing trade tensions with the United States. While the province will still maintain its relationship with the U.S., it is seeking to broaden its reach globally.

Why These Countries?

The six African countries chosen for this plan were not picked randomly. New Brunswick already has bilateral agreements with these nations, making them natural partners for the province’s strategy. This will help foster stronger economic, educational, and labor partnerships moving forward.