Maple News reports that Manitoba has conducted its 100th Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw, issuing 191 invitations to immigration candidates seeking permanent residency in the province. The milestone draw, held on October 8, marks a significant step in Manitoba’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled talent and international graduates to fuel its economic growth.
The draw distributed Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) through three streams: 152 LAAs were issued under the Skilled Workers in Manitoba stream to candidates with a minimum Expression of Interest (EOI) score of 528; 14 LAAs went to Skilled Workers Overseas with a minimum score of 611; and 25 LAAs were granted via the International Education Stream, with no EOI score requirement.
This brings the total number of LAAs issued by the province in 2021 to 3,671, reflecting Manitoba’s consistent commitment to retaining international talent. Among the latest pool, 20 candidates were selected from the federal Express Entry pool, which manages applications for key economic immigration streams.
The PNP, launched in 1999, has been a pivotal component of Manitoba’s immigration success story. Interestingly, the roots of this program are tied to an unexpected motivator—ice hockey. Following the loss of its NHL team, the Winnipeg Jets, to Phoenix in 1996, local business leaders formed the Business Council of Manitoba. Their goal: boost the population and revitalize the economy through immigration. This strategic move helped lay the groundwork for the PNP, leading to a surge in annual immigration from 3,700 to nearly 15,000 newcomers.
Fast forward to 2011, the province achieved its other major objective—the return of the Winnipeg Jets—perfectly illustrating how immigration can be an engine not only for economic growth but also for cultural and community revitalization.
Manitoba’s PNP remains one of the most active and effective provincial immigration pathways in Canada, consistently drawing interest from skilled professionals and graduates who wish to settle in a dynamic and welcoming part of the country.
As Maple News continues to follow provincial nominee programs across Canada, we will bring updates on upcoming draws, evolving criteria, and opportunities for immigration hopefuls looking to make Manitoba their new home.