Maple News reports that two Winnipeg MPs announced work permit extensions for Manitoba workers pursuing permanent residence under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). Approximately 2,700 Manitoba workers are expected to benefit from this measure.
The extensions would allow these workers to continue employed while their provincial nominations are processed, according to Kevin Lamoureux, the federal MP for Winnipeg North.
Lamoureux stated the extensions would run through the end of 2027, providing authorization to work during the processing period, per a July 7 post by Terry Duguid, the federal MP for Winnipeg South.
At this time, the government has not released details on how workers would apply, what eligibility criteria would apply, or when the policy would take effect.
An undated image of a draft federal news release posted by Lamoureux describes the measure as the “Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge” (MWTB), presented as a follow-on to a temporary policy from 2024.
That 2024 policy, the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates, had allowed open work permits for PNP candidates for up to two years. It was enacted on August 11, 2024, and expired on December 31, 2024, without renewal.
The draft release notes that more than 1,600 workers who held 2024 PNPC WP permits have since become permanent residents, while about 2,700 are still awaiting provincial nominations. The province has indicated it expects it may not meet the December 31, 2026 nomination deadline for this cohort.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the government clarifies eligibility, application procedures, and implementation timelines.