New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP): Attracting Skilled Foreign Workers to Meet Labour Needs

In November 2022, the New Brunswick government launched a specialized immigration initiative known as the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP). The program aims to attract skilled foreign professionals to address labor shortages in key sectors across the province. Unlike many other Canadian immigration pathways, the NBCWP provides comprehensive support for immigrants throughout their relocation and settlement journey. This program stands out for the strong collaboration between the province and six selected employers who offer significant settlement services to candidates.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the employers participating in the NBCWP, their business activities, the roles they hire for, and the settlement support they offer.

What is the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)?

The NBCWP is a five-year pilot program designed to connect qualified immigration candidates with employers in critical industries across New Brunswick. Launched to address labor gaps, this initiative partners with six key employers known for successfully recruiting and retaining foreign workers in Canada.

What makes the NBCWP unique is the support structure provided by the participating employers. Candidates hired through this pilot receive comprehensive settlement plans, which may include:

Assistance with housing and transportation, ensuring a smooth transition for workers and their families into the community, with a focus on long-term retention.

Human resources strategies for recruiting and retaining skilled international workers, as well as opportunities for job-specific training and development.

Up to 200 hours of language training for candidates who need to improve their English or French communication skills.

Support and guidance for obtaining a Canadian secondary education equivalency, which can be crucial for certain job opportunities.

Who are the Participating Employers?

The NBCWP currently partners with six New Brunswick employers, each a leader in their respective industries and known for their experience in hiring foreign workers. These companies not only provide job opportunities but also actively support candidates in their settlement and integration into New Brunswick society.

The participating companies are:

Cooke Aquaculture Inc.

Groupe Savoie Inc.

Groupe Westco

Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG)

J.D. Irving, Limited

McCain Foods

How the Program Works

The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) oversees the NBCWP, but the pilot is employer-driven, meaning interested candidates need to secure a job offer from one of the participating companies. To qualify, applicants must have a genuine offer of full-time, permanent employment and meet the base eligibility criteria set by the NBPNP.

The specific job positions and the sectors in which these companies operate are subject to change depending on the evolving needs of the employer. It is recommended that prospective applicants visit the respective employer’s website for the latest job listings.

Employer Overview and Job Opportunities

1. Cooke Aquaculture Inc.

Cooke Aquaculture is a family-owned company, a leader in the aquaculture industry for over 35 years. Based in Atlantic Canada, Cooke is fully vertically integrated, handling everything from salmon farming to distribution and marketing.

Business Sectors:

Salmon farming

Fish processing

Product manufacturing

Transportation

Sales and marketing

Job Roles:

Saltwater Aquaculture Worker, Hatchery Technician, Marine Site Manager, Fish Health Manager

Fish Processor, Quality Assurance Manager, Yield Checker

Maintenance Mechanic Technician, Marine Mechanic, Truck Driver, Dispatcher

2. Groupe Savoie Inc.

A hardwood processing company established in 1978, Groupe Savoie is renowned for producing high-quality hardwood products. The company is vertically integrated, overseeing everything from wood harvesting to finished products.

Business Sectors:

Hardwood lumber and pallet production

Furniture and cabinet components

Ecological fuel and wood chips

Job Roles:

Building Maintenance Technician, Welder/Assembler, Millwright

Production Support, Independent Contractor (Forestry Biomass Truck)

3. Groupe Westco

One of Canada’s largest poultry farming operations, Groupe Westco, is based near the Canada-U.S. border in Saint-François de Madawaska. Over time, the company has expanded into several related industries.

Business Sectors:

Poultry farming

Food production and organic fertilizers

Forestry and transportation

Power generation

Job Roles:

Hatchery Technicians, Poultry Farm Workers, Food Production Technicians

Transportation Coordinators, Truck Drivers, Forestry Technicians, Logging Equipment Operators

4. Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG)

IMG is a leading manufacturer of HVAC products and construction materials, operating across North America. With 11 facilities, the company produces over 7,000 products, including flexible ducting, steel studs, and air quality equipment.

Business Sectors:

Air distribution and building products

HVAC industry manufacturing

Product logistics and distribution

Job Roles:

Production Supervisor, Welder/Assembler, Millwright, Machinery Operators

Transportation Coordinators, Independent Contractors (Forestry Biomass Trucks)

5. J.D. Irving, Limited

Established in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited is one of the largest privately-held companies in Canada, with more than 20,000 employees. The company’s operations span various sectors, including forestry, agriculture, shipbuilding, and retail.

Business Sectors:

Manufacturing and shipbuilding

Forestry and agriculture

Retail, transportation, and construction

Job Roles:

Metal Fabricator, Welder, Crane Operator, Welding Technician

Buyer, Procurement Specialist, Engineer (Production, Industrial), Quality Control Inspector

6. McCain Foods

McCain Foods, founded in 1957, is the world’s largest producer of frozen french fries. The company operates in over 160 countries and has expanded into several subsidiary brands in the food and farming sectors.

Business Sectors:

Frozen food production

Potato farming

Food transportation and logistics

Job Roles:

Training Supervisor, Potato Receiver, Sanitation Labourer

Complex Engineering Manager, Sensory Scientist, Process Engineer

Potato Truck Driver, Manager (HR Data Governance & Analytics), Deductions Intern

Conclusion

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) offers a unique immigration opportunity for skilled workers looking to make a long-term move to New Brunswick. With its focus on supporting foreign workers both professionally and personally, the pilot sets itself apart by offering settlement services, language training, and comprehensive support through partnerships with leading employers.

Interested candidates are encouraged to research the participating employers and the positions they offer, ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. The NBCWP is a promising route for those looking to settle in a welcoming province while contributing to key industries driving New Brunswick’s economy forward.