January 17, 2023
Revisions to the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) will make it easier for foreign-owned businesses operating within the NWT to access workers for their businesses.
The program, delivered in partnership with the federal government, encourages immigration to the Northwest Territories. The GNWT’s Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) manages applications from immigrants seeking employment with NWT companies; while the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) works with prospective entrepreneurs applying to start a business; or buy and operate an already established one.
Among a number of changes, nominating employers who are looking to fill labour needs with temporary foreign workers are no longer required to be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada. That means applicants to the ITI-managed Business Stream are now able to use the ECE-managed Employer-Driven stream to fulfill labour demands with temporary foreign workers. Business owners will still need to meet eligibility criteria including being in operation for one year.
It is one of the ways in which the GNWT is helping to alleviate the strain on businesses that are experiencing labour shortages in the current economic climate.
If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact the NTNP:
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