New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot

In November 2022, the New Brunswick provincial government introduced the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) to attract skilled foreign workers while addressing labor shortages in key industries.

Unlike most Canadian immigration programs, the NBCWP is employer-driven, meaning candidates must receive a job offer from one of six selected employers to qualify. These employers actively support workers through:

Housing & transportation assistance
On-the-job skills development & career growth
Up to 200 hours of language training
Help in obtaining Canadian secondary education equivalency

This program is set to run for five years, connecting workers with full-time, permanent jobs in New Brunswick, Canada.

Key Points of the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)

The table below summarizes the main details of the NBCWP:

Category	Details
Program Name	New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP)
Launched In	November 2022
Duration	5 Years
Program Type	Employer-Driven Pilot Program
Host Province	New Brunswick, Canada
Target Candidates	Skilled Foreign Workers
Eligibility Criteria	Job Offer from a Participating Employer + NBPNP Requirements
Participating Employers	Cooke Aquaculture, Groupe Savoie, Groupe Westco, Imperial Manufacturing, J.D. Irving, McCain Foods
Support for Workers	Housing, Transportation, Language Training, Job Skills Training, Education Support
Application Process	Direct Application through Employer
Job Types Available	Manufacturing, Food Processing, Agriculture, Engineering, Logistics, Shipbuilding, Forestry

Who Are the Participating Employers?

Six employers in New Brunswick have been selected for the NBCWP based on their strong track record of hiring foreign workers. These employers represent key sectors of the New Brunswick economy.

1. Cooke Aquaculture Inc. (Seafood & Marine Industry)

Cooke Aquaculture Inc. is a family-owned seafood company that has been operating for over 35 years in Atlantic Canada. It is one of the largest aquaculture businesses in North America, involved in:

Salmon farming
Fish processing
Seafood distribution & marketing

Positions Cooke Aquaculture May Hire For:

Category	Positions Available
Aquaculture & Marine	Saltwater Aquaculture Worker, Hatchery Technician, Fish Health Manager, Marine Technician
Processing & Plant	Fish Processor, Quality Assurance Manager, Maintenance Technician
Logistics & Transportation	Truck Driver, Dispatcher, Local Delivery Driver

2. Groupe Savoie Inc. (Hardwood Processing Industry)

Groupe Savoie specializes in the production of high-quality hardwood products, including furniture components, ecological fuels, and lumber. The company has been in operation since 1978 and is a key employer in New Brunswick’s forestry industry.

Positions Groupe Savoie May Hire For:

Category	Positions Available
Maintenance & Technical	Millwright, Welder, Building Maintenance Technician
Logistics & Supply Chain	Truck Driver, Warehouse Coordinator
Production & Manufacturing	Wood Processing Technician, Quality Control Inspector

3. Groupe Westco (Poultry & Food Production Industry)

Groupe Westco is one of Canada’s largest poultry farming enterprises, based in Saint-François de Madawaska, New Brunswick. The company has expanded into:

Food production
Organic fertilizer production
Transportation & distribution

Positions Groupe Westco May Hire For:

Category	Positions Available
Poultry Farming & Production	Poultry Farm Worker, Hatchery Technician, Food Production Technician
Logistics & Distribution	Truck Driver, Transportation Coordinator
Quality & Safety	Quality Control Inspector

4. Imperial Manufacturing Group (HVAC & Construction Materials)

Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG) is a leading manufacturer of air distribution & construction products for the HVAC and building industries. The company has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Positions Imperial Manufacturing May Hire For:

Category	Positions Available
Manufacturing & Production	Welder, Millwright, Machinery Operator
Logistics & Supply Chain	Transportation Coordinator, Forklift Operator
Engineering & Technical	PLC Programmer, Mechanical Engineer

5. J.D. Irving, Limited (Forestry, Manufacturing & Shipbuilding)

J.D. Irving, Limited is one of Canada’s largest private corporations, founded in 1882. The company is involved in multiple industries, including:

Shipbuilding
Forestry & Construction
Retail & Agriculture

Positions J.D. Irving May Hire For:

Category	Positions Available
Shipbuilding & Manufacturing	Metal Fabricator, Welder, Production Supervisor
Engineering & Technical	Engineer, Industrial Technician, Safety Trainer
Procurement & Logistics	Material Management Specialist, Procurement Specialist

6. McCain Foods (Frozen Food & Agriculture)

McCain Foods is the world’s largest frozen French fry producer, founded in 1957. The company has subsidiaries in over 160 countries and earns $14 billion annually.

Positions McCain Foods May Hire For:

Category	Positions Available
Food Production & Processing	Potato Receiver, Sanitation Labourer
Engineering & Research	Process Engineer, Sensory Scientist
Agriculture & Logistics	Truck Driver, Supply Chain Coordinator

Eligibility Criteria for NBCWP

To qualify for the NBCWP, applicants must:

Have a full-time job offer from a participating employer
Meet the base requirements of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Possess relevant skills & work experience
Commit to working & living in New Brunswick long-term

How to Apply for the NBCWP

Find a job with one of the six participating employers
Confirm eligibility under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Submit your application through the employer
Await approval & immigration processing

Visit Employer Websites for Job Openings

Conclusion

The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is an excellent immigration opportunity for skilled workers looking to build careers in Canada. With employer-backed settlement support, guaranteed job offers, and long-term opportunities, this program provides a strong pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

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