Manitoba is hoping to increase that number to over 20,000 immigrants by 2016. In order to do so, Manitoba is asking the Government of Canada to increase the number of federal certificates available through their provincial nominee program. The Government of Canada increased the number of federal certificates from 4,600 to 5,000 in 2010 after Manitoba complained the number of available certificates in their province was not enough.

"Having a stable, skilled workforce is what brings us work and opens up markets. It's the quality of immigrants through the provincial nominee program,” said Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard. “They're highly skilled and highly educated. They may need some English training and some help finding their first job. Then they're fairly quickly integrated into the economy and enrich us economically and culturally. That's why immigration is supported by business and employers." Manitoba businesses are demanding more skilled labourers to fill vacant positions.

Other provinces, such as British Columbia and Ontario, are receiving fewer immigrants and less federal funding for settlement services than they have in the past. Manitoba will be receiving an 8% increase in their settlement funding from the government in the coming year. Manitoba will continue to appeal to the federal government to increase the number of federal certificates available through their PNP in hopes of attracting more skilled workers to the province.

To learn more about the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, click here.