June 11, 2020
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce a new online application system for the NWT Nominee Program effective today.
The goal of the new system is to focus on a more user-friendly experience, allowing the GNWT to better track and manage the lifecycle of an application, and enhance accountability. It will also help foreign nationals who start, purchase or invest in an existing business as outlined in the NWT Immigration Strategy, Building a Skilled Workforce and Vibrant Economy 2017-2022.
A recently developed Welcome to the NWT resource booklet will also assist in the attraction, settlement and retention of foreign nationals to the NWT. This booklet describes everything from initial checklists to schools, communities and cultures, employment, services, healthcare and weather. It is a comprehensive, plainly written resource available in both English and French.
The new online application system will support the population growth of the NWT. It will also be showcased in the launch of a campaign to attract foreign nationals abroad and already living and working in Canada, to help fill the critical labour market gaps in the NWT with skilled workers.
Quotes:
“There are many people interested in living and working in the Northwest Territories, who will bring much needed skills and new industry to our economy. The new online system will make the application process easier and quicker for Nominee Program applicants, helping us to assist employers in meeting critical labour market needs.”
-R.J. Simpson, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment
“Among the most important investments that can be made to stimulate opportunity and diversity with regards to the Northwest Territories economy, are those to attract a healthy vibrant population. We recognize the considerable contribution that newcomers and immigrants can make to our territory and welcome those interested in making the North home. This new platform has been created to help meet this objective.
- Katrina Nokleby, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
Quick Facts:
- Since 2016, the NWT has welcomed 17 business nominees, five of whom are currently operating their businesses in Hay River and 12 operating in Yellowknife. Together with their family members, these nominees bring new businesses services and numerous new residents to the territory.
- From 2009-2019, the Employer Stream of the Nominee Program has welcomed 427 nominees into the Northwest Territories. With their families, the total number of foreign nationals living and working in NWT communities is 819.
- With NWT borders currently closed, we are seeing less foreign nationals able to travel to the NWT. The launch of the online application system allows people to start thinking about the immigration process as the decision to immigrate to a new country or territory takes months. It is important to continue raising the awareness of the NWT as a great place to live and work, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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