The leaders of some of Atlantic Canada's largest industry organizations are looking to work with Citizenship and Immigration Canada to encourage more immigrants to come to their region.

In a report by the Halifax Daily News the representatives of several large industry groups expressed a desire for more immigration to help address a growing labour shortage. Paul Pettipas, the CEO of the Nova Scotia Home Builders Association discussed the shortages of skilled workers faced by his industry, and called for more to be done to encourage skilled immigrants to come to Canada and work in Nova Scotia. Mr. Pettipas was joined in his calls by Luc Erjavec, Vice-President of the Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association. Mr. Erjavec said that though it began with the cooks and kitchen staff, the industry is facing a labour shortage across the board, the brunt of which is being felt in Nova Scotia.

According to Mr. Pettipas, labour needs have driven his association to make immigration one of their top priorities. His organization supports additional points for skilled workers on citizenship applications, as well as an increase in temporary work permits. These positions were echoed by Mr. Erjavec. Each expressed a view that immigration as crucial for the economy in Atlantic Canada.