New Brunswick

In November 2022, the provincial government of New Brunswick launched the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP). This program was designed to address labor shortages in the province by attracting skilled foreign workers and encouraging them to settle in New Brunswick.  What sets the NBCWP apart from many other Canadian immigration programs is the level of support provided by participating employers. Six selected employers offer extensive settlement plans to assist candidates throughout their immigration process, ensuring they have the resources needed for a smooth transition into life and work in New Brunswick.  Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Below, we explore who these employers are, the industries they operate in, the positions they hire for, and the types of settlement assistance they provide.  Overview of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)  The NBCWP is a five-year pilot program aimed at linking skilled foreign workers with specific sectors in the New Brunswick economy. The program partners with six employers, each with a proven history of hiring international talent in Canada.  Participants hired under the NBCWP benefit from extensive settlement support provided by their employers. This assistance includes:  Housing and transportation plans to help newcomers transition into their new jobs and communities, with a focus on long-term retention.  Strategic human resources planning that not only recruits skilled workers but also offers opportunities for skill development and growth.  Up to 200 hours of language training for those who need to improve their communication skills in English or French.  Guidance for obtaining Canadian secondary education equivalency, for those interested in furthering their qualifications.  Participating Employers  The NBCWP works with six prominent employers, all of whom have extensive experience hiring newcomers and are leaders in their respective industries. These employers handle the application process directly and provide various support services to help foreign workers integrate smoothly into New Brunswick life.  1. Cooke Aquaculture Inc.  A family-owned business for over 35 years, Cooke Aquaculture Inc. operates in the sustainable aquaculture industry across Atlantic Canada. As a fully vertically integrated seafood producer, Cooke Aquaculture is involved in every step of the process, from farming salmon to processing and marketing seafood products.  Business Areas:  Salmon farming  Fish processing and product manufacturing  Transportation and distribution  Sales and marketing  Positions Cooke Aquaculture may hire for:  Aquaculture & Marine Operations: Saltwater Aquaculture Worker, Hatchery Technician, Marine Site Manager, Fish Health Manager, Harvest Vessel Captain, etc.  Processing & Plant Operations: Fish Processor, Plant Worker, Quality Assurance Manager, Large Vessel Cook, etc.  Maintenance & Technical Support: Maintenance Mechanic, Marine Mechanic, Truck and Transport Technician, etc.  Logistics & Transportation: Truck Drivers, Dispatcher, Customer Service Representative  2. Groupe Savoie Inc.  Founded in 1978, Groupe Savoie Inc. is a hardwood processing company that manages every aspect of its operations, from wood harvesting to the production of high-quality hardwood products. Groupe Savoie specializes in products like pallets, furniture components, hardwood lumber, and ecological fuels.  Business Areas:  Hardwood processing  Pallet and furniture component manufacturing  Ecological fuel production  Positions Groupe Savoie may hire for:  Maintenance & Technical Roles: Building Maintenance Technician, Welder/Assembler, PLC Programmer, Millwright  Logistics & Contractual Roles: Independent Contractors for Forestry Biomass Trucks  Production Roles: Production Support  3. Groupe Westco  Based in Saint-François de Madawaska, Groupe Westco is one of Canada’s largest poultry farming operations. Over time, the company has diversified into several other sectors, including food production, transportation, and power generation.  Business Areas:  Poultry farming  Food production  Organic fertilizer production  Sustainable power generation  Positions Groupe Westco may hire for:  Poultry Farming & Production: Hatchery Technicians, Poultry Farm Workers, Food Production Technicians, Quality Control Inspectors  Logistics & Transportation: Transportation Coordinators, Truck Drivers, Distribution Managers  Forestry & Resource Management : Forestry Technicians, Logging Equipment Operators, Forest Harvesting Managers  4. Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG)  IMG is a leading manufacturer of air distribution and building products for the North American HVAC and construction industries. With over 1,000,000 square feet of production space across 11 facilities, IMG produces over 7,000 products, including flexible ducting, air quality equipment, and steel studs.  Business Areas:  HVAC manufacturing  Building product distribution  Positions IMG may hire for:  Manufacturing & Production: Evening Production Supervisor, Welder/Assembler, Millwright, Production Support  Technical & Engineering: PLC Programmer, Machinery Operators  Logistics & Contractual: Transportation Coordinators, Truck Drivers, Independent Contractors for Forestry Biomass Trucks  5. J.D. Irving, Limited  Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited is a diversified corporation based in Saint John, New Brunswick, and one of the largest employers in Atlantic Canada. The company’s operations span multiple sectors, including agriculture, construction, shipbuilding, and forestry.  Business Areas:  Agriculture  Shipbuilding and manufacturing  Forestry and retail  Positions J.D. Irving may hire for:  Manufacturing & Shipbuilding: Metal Fabricator, Welder, Production Supervisor, Crane Operator, Scaffolders, Labourer  Logistics & Procurement: Procurement Specialists, Buyers, Material Management Specialists  Engineering & Technical: Production Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Welding Inspector, Quality Control Inspector  6. McCain Foods  Founded in 1957, McCain Foods has grown into the largest producer of frozen French fries in the world. Headquartered in Florenceville, New Brunswick, McCain operates in over 160 countries and generates annual revenues exceeding $14 billion CAD.  Business Areas:  Frozen food manufacturing  Potato farming  Transportation and logistics  Positions McCain Foods may hire for:  Manufacturing & Production: Training Supervisor, Potato Receiver, Sanitation Labourer  Engineering & Technical: Process Engineer, Complex Engineering Manager  Research & Development: Sensory Scientist, Process Engineer (R&D)  Agriculture: Potato Truck Driver  Corporate & Administrative: HR Data Governance Manager, Deductions Intern  How to Apply  The NBCWP is an employer-driven program, meaning that candidates must have a legitimate offer of full-time employment from one of the participating employers. Additionally, candidates must meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).  While the NBPNP doesn’t set specific occupation requirements for the NBCWP, candidates should ensure the job they’re considering aligns with the program’s criteria. It’s advisable to consult the employers directly for the most up-to-date job openings and eligibility information.  To learn more about the NBCWP or to apply, interested candidates should reach out to the participating employers or visit their websites for job opportunities.  This initiative is a great