Restaurants Canada is disappointed by cuts to Atlantic immigration targets

Restaurants Canada is disappointed by today’s drastic cuts to provincial immigration caps and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations announced by the federal government. The numbers announced today represent a 50% reduction in immigration targets compared to last year, and were announced without proper consultation with Atlantic provinces and the businesses that will suffer.

Atlantic Canada is facing significant labour shortages in key sectors, including the foodservice industry. Restaurants contribute more than $6 billion collectively and employ more than 73,000 people across the four Atlantic provinces. They are a major driver of the economy and support tens of other industries, such as fishing, agriculture and tourism. Without adequate access to workers, many of our iconic restaurants and pubs will have to cut opening hours, reduce shifts for local workers or close their doors entirely.

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.

— Janick Cormier, Vice-President, Atlantic Canada, Restaurants Canada

Media Contact: | Milena Stanoeva, Restaurants Canada | media@restaurantscanada.org | 647-921-1758

About Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry. Restaurants are a $120 billion industry employing nearly 1.2 million Canadians and are the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada.