In November 2022, the New Brunswick provincial government launched the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) to draw skilled foreign workers to the province and address significant labor shortages.
The NBCWP stands out from many Canadian immigration programs because the six participating employers assist candidates throughout their immigration processes and offer comprehensive settlement plans.
Below is an overview of these employers, their business activities, the positions they are looking to fill, and the settlement services available to NBCWP candidates.
Table of Contents
What is the NBCWP?
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is a specialized immigration initiative designed to connect candidates with professional experience in key sectors of New Brunswick’s economy to six select employers known for their successful hiring of foreign workers in Canada. The pilot is set to last five years from its launch.
Candidates hired by participating employers will receive settlement support, which includes:
- Comprehensive housing and transportation plans to facilitate a smooth transition into their new jobs and communities, focusing on long-term retention.
- Strategic HR planning aimed at recruiting skilled international talent, along with opportunities for on-the-job skills development.
- Up to 200 hours of language training, if needed, to enhance communication skills.
- Guidance for candidates seeking to obtain Canadian secondary education equivalency.
Who are the Employers?
The NBCWP currently collaborates with six employers in the province, all of whom have strong records of hiring newcomers and are leaders in their respective industries:
- Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
- Groupe Savoie Inc.
- Groupe Westco
- Imperial Manufacturing
- J.D. Irving Ltd.
- McCain Foods
While the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) does not specify occupations for eligibility in the NBCWP, it’s essential to note that this pilot program is largely employer-driven. Interested candidates should reach out to the relevant employer to confirm that their desired position meets the NBCWP’s eligibility criteria. Applications for this pilot are submitted through the participating employers.
To qualify for this stream, candidates must have a valid offer of full-time (indeterminate) employment from a participating employer and meet the base eligibility requirements of the NBPNP.
Note
The positions listed for each employer are provided to give a general idea of their business activities and are likely to change based on the evolving needs of each employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about job openings, it’s recommended to visit their websites or conduct a web search.
Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. is a family-owned company that has operated a sustainable aquaculture business in Atlantic Canada for over 35 years. A leader in the aquaculture industry, it significantly contributes to the economic development of rural coastal areas. The company is fully vertically integrated, engaging in:
- Salmon farming
- Fish processing
- Fish product manufacturing
- Transportation
- Distribution
- Sales and marketing
Potential Positions:
- Aquaculture and Marine Operations:
- Saltwater Aquaculture Worker
- Hatchery Technician
- Saltwater Marine Site Manager
- Fish Health Manager
- Harvest Vessel Captain (Fishing Master III)
- Processing and Plant Operations:
- Fish Processor
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Maintenance and Technical Support:
- Maintenance Mechanic Technician
- Marine Mechanic
- Logistics and Transportation:
- Truck Driver – Owner Operators
- Dispatcher
Groupe Savoie Inc.
Founded in 1978, Groupe Savoie Inc. specializes in high-quality hardwood products and manages every stage of production from wood harvesting to manufacturing. Their offerings include pallets, hardwood lumber, and ecological fuels.
Potential Positions:
- Maintenance and Technical Roles:
- Building Maintenance Technician
- PLC Programmer
- Logistics and Contractual Roles:
- Independent Contractor – Forestry Biomass Truck
- Production Roles:
- Production Support
Groupe Westco
Based in Saint-François de Madawaska, Groupe Westco is one of Canada’s largest poultry farming enterprises. Its operations encompass food production, organic fertilizer production, and more.
Potential Positions:
- Poultry Farming and Production:
- Hatchery Technicians
- Quality Control Inspectors
- Logistics and Transportation:
- Transportation Coordinators
- Forestry and Resource Management:
- Forestry Technicians
Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG)
IMG is a key manufacturer in the HVAC and construction industries, producing over 7,000 products across 11 facilities in Canada and the U.S. Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, it has achieved Platinum status.
Potential Positions:
- Manufacturing and Production Roles:
- Evening Production Supervisor
- Welder / Assembler
- Technical and Engineering Roles:
- PLC Programmer
- Logistics and Contractual Roles:
- Transportation Coordinators
J.D. Irving, Lzimited
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving is one of Canada’s largest and most diversified privately held corporations. With over 20,000 employees, it operates across multiple industries, including agriculture, construction, and forestry.
Potential Positions:
- Manufacturing and Shipbuilding Roles:
- Metal Fabricator (Red Seal)
- Production Supervisor
- Logistics and Procurement Roles:
- Buyer
- Engineering and Technical Roles:
- Quality Control Inspector, Pipe
McCain Foods
Established in 1957, McCain Foods has grown into the world’s largest manufacturer of frozen french fries, with products sold in over 160 countries and annual revenues exceeding $14 billion CAD. The company also operates several subsidiary brands in the food and transportation sectors.
Potential Positions:
- Manufacturing and Production Roles:
- Training Supervisor
- Sanitation Labourer
- Engineering and Technical Roles:
- Complex Engineering Manager
- Agricultural Roles:
- Potato Truck Driver (Class 3)
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