In November 2022, the government of New Brunswick introduced the New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) to address key labor shortages in the province by attracting skilled foreign workers. Unlike many other immigration programs in Canada, the NBCWP involves six selected employers who support candidates through their entire immigration process by offering extensive settlement plans.
Here’s an overview of the employers participating in this initiative, the industries they operate in, the roles they are hiring for, and the settlement services provided to successful candidates.
What is the NBCWP?
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is a five-year Immigration Program designed to connect skilled foreign workers with employers in key sectors of New Brunswick's economy. This program is unique in that the six participating employers not only hire workers but also assist them in settling into the province.
Candidates hired under this pilot receive a range of settlement services, including:
- Housing and transportation support to help them transition smoothly into their new jobs and communities, with a long-term focus on retaining workers.
- Human resources support that focuses on strategic recruitment, providing opportunities for skill development and advancement.
- Up to 200 hours of language training, if required, to improve communication skills.
- Guidance on obtaining Canadian secondary education equivalency for candidates interested in this option.
The NBCWP is mainly employer-driven, meaning the participating employers play a key role in managing the hiring process and ensuring the chosen positions meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Applicants must secure a genuine offer of full-time, indeterminate employment from one of the approved employers and meet the base requirements of the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP).
Participating Employers
The following six employers are part of the NBCWP. Each has a proven record of hiring newcomers and is a leader in their respective industries.
1. Cooke Aquaculture Inc.
Cooke Aquaculture Inc. is a family-owned company that has been in the sustainable aquaculture business in Atlantic Canada for more than 35 years. It plays a key role in the economic development of rural coastal regions, offering a fully integrated seafood production process.
Business Sectors:
- Salmon farming
- Fish processing
- Fish product manufacturing
- Transportation
- Distribution
- Sales and marketing
Positions Cooke Aquaculture May Hire For:
- Aquaculture & Marine Operations: Hatchery Technician, Saltwater Marine Technician, Fish Health Manager, Harvest Vessel Captain
- Processing & Plant Operations: Fish Processor, Quality Assurance Manager, Yield Checker
- Maintenance & Technical Support: Truck and Transport Technician, Marine Mechanic, Maintenance Personnel
- Logistics & Transportation: Local Truck Driver, Dispatcher, Shunt Truck Driver
2. Groupe Savoie Inc.
Founded in 1978, Groupe Savoie Inc. is a leading hardwood processing company that specializes in producing high-quality hardwood products. The company manages the entire process—from wood harvesting to product manufacturing, producing everything from pallets to ecological fuels.
Business Sectors:
- Hardwood products manufacturing
- Forestry and wood processing
Positions Groupe Savoie May Hire For:
- Maintenance & Technical Roles: Building Maintenance Technician, Welder/Assembler, PLC Programmer, Millwright
- Logistics & Contractual Roles: Independent Contractor – Forestry Biomass Truck
- Production Roles: Production Support
3. Groupe Westco
Groupe Westco, based near the Canada-U.S. border in Saint-François de Madawaska, is one of Canada's largest poultry farming operations. The company has diversified into several areas beyond poultry farming, including organic fertilizer production and sustainable power generation.
Business Sectors:
- Poultry farming and processing
- Organic fertilizer production
- Power generation
- Forestry and distribution
Positions Groupe Westco May Hire For:
- Poultry Farming & Production: Hatchery Technicians, Poultry Farm Workers, Food Production Technicians
- Logistics & Transportation: Transportation Coordinators, Truck Drivers
- Forestry & Resource Management: Logging Equipment Operators, Road Excavation Workers
4. Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG)
Imperial Manufacturing Group (IMG) is a major manufacturer of air distribution and building products for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and construction industries. With 11 facilities across North America, IMG produces over 7,000 products.
Business Sectors:
- HVAC and construction product manufacturing
- Logistics and transportation
Positions IMG May Hire For:
- Manufacturing & Production Roles: Welder/Assembler, Evening Production Supervisor, Millwright
- Technical & Engineering Roles: PLC Programmer, Machinery Operators
- Logistics & Contractual Roles: Independent Contractor, Transportation Coordinators, Truck Drivers
5. J.D. Irving, Limited
Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited is one of Canada’s largest privately held companies, based in Saint John, New Brunswick. What began as a sawmill and lumber business has since expanded into industries such as agriculture, shipbuilding, and forestry, employing over 20,000 people across Atlantic Canada.
Business Sectors:
- Manufacturing and shipbuilding
- Agriculture, construction, and retail
- Forestry and natural resource management
Positions J.D. Irving May Hire For:
- Manufacturing & Shipbuilding Roles: Metal Fabricator, Welder, Crane Operator, Labourer
- Logistics & Procurement Roles: Procurement Specialist, Buyer, Material Management Specialist
- Engineering & Technical Roles: Industrial Engineer, Structures Engineer, Welding Inspector
6. McCain Foods
McCain Foods, established in 1957, is the world’s largest producer of frozen french fries. Headquartered in Florenceville, New Brunswick, the company operates globally, selling products in over 160 countries. McCain Foods is also involved in potato farming and transportation through its subsidiary brands.
Business Sectors:
- Frozen food manufacturing
- Potato farming and transportation
Positions McCain Foods May Hire For:
- Manufacturing & Production Roles: Sanitation Labourer, Training Supervisor, Potato Receiver
- Engineering & Technical Roles: Complex Engineering Manager, Process Engineer
- Research & Development Roles: Sensory Scientist, Process Engineer (R&D)
- Agricultural Roles: Potato Truck Driver
- Corporate & Administrative Roles: HR Data Governance Manager, Deductions Intern
Conclusion
The New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot (NBCWP) is a unique program offering skilled foreign workers an opportunity not only to fill vital labor gaps but also to receive support for settling into their new communities. With six well-established employers leading this initiative, participants are given a comprehensive package of support—from housing and transportation to skills training and language development—making it easier for newcomers to thrive in New Brunswick.
For anyone interested in applying, it’s important to check with the relevant employer for current job openings and ensure the role meets NBCWP’s eligibility criteria.
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