Restaurants Canada has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s recent announcement of a 50 percent reduction in Atlantic immigration targets, including cuts to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations.
The organization, representing the foodservice industry, argues that this decision was made without adequate consultation with Atlantic provinces or consideration for the economic impact on the region.
“Today’s drastic cuts to provincial immigration caps were announced without proper consultation with Atlantic provinces and the businesses that will suffer,” said Janick Cormier, Vice-President for Atlantic Canada at Restaurants Canada.
Atlantic Canada, already struggling with labour shortages in key sectors, faces further challenges with these new caps. The foodservice industry, which contributes over $6 billion to the economy and employs more than 73,000 people across the region, is particularly vulnerable. Restaurants Canada warns that without enough workers, many establishments may be forced to reduce hours, cut shifts for local employees, or shut down entirely.
Cormier emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to collaborate with provincial counterparts to reassess the immigration targets. “We urge the federal government to reverse today’s decision and work closely with its Atlantic counterparts to establish immigration numbers that do not significantly harm our local economies and the future of Atlantic Canada,” he added.
While Restaurants Canada calls for a reversal of the decision it seems unlikely with parliament prorogued and the federal government offering no signs they are reconsidering.
