Canadian Immigration News

Canadian 2011 Census and Immigration to Manitoba

The newly released 2011 census data shows that Manitoba has become a popular destination for immigrants to Canada.

According to the 2011 census, the per capita number of immigrants to Manitoba is double that of the country average. Currently, Manitoba accounts for roughly 3 percent of Canada's population and attracts 6 percent of Canadian immigrants.

Many immigrants come to Manitoba through the provincial nominee program of which Manitoba was the first province to apply for in 1998. Although Manitoba is not as resource rich as its oil and potash-rich Prairie cousins, it's economy still grows steadily.

Manitoba's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Christine Melnick indicated that Manitoba targets immigrants who are likely to settle down in the province. This policy gives priority to prospective migrants with family ties to Manitoba and immigrants who find a national or ethnic community to join. The retention rate in the province has reached nearly 83 percent so far and the average age of the immigrants is younger than for other immigration streams. Manitoba also has a high rate of employment amongst it's provincial nominees. However, the Manitoba nominees earn less on average than those in Alberta and British Columbia.

"We bring in people we believe will be comfortable in Manitoba. We don't necessarily target groups for specific employment opportunities," Ms. Melnick said.

At the moment the province is putting it's resources into settling new arrivals while waiting for Minister Jason Kenney to make changes to Canada's immigration system this year.

If you are interested in Immigration to Canada, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Canada.