Nova Scotia adds occupation codes to help businesses hire skilled newcomers to Canada

Halifax – Nova Scotia has declared food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, food and beverage servers and light duty cleaners to be occupations in demand in an effort to help employers hire international newcomers who have the skills they need.

Additions to the occupations in demand immigration stream include food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, related support occupations, food and beverage servers and light duty cleaners. Employers will have the option to hire these workers without the need for a labour market impact assessment before offering the position. There also won’t be a requirement for the employee to work with the employer for six months before applying to Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program.

“We’re excited to welcome newcomers who can help employers meet their labour needs and grow Nova Scotia’s population,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “The tourism, restaurant and hospitality sectors are critical to our economy. These changes will help these industries hire the workers they need to prepare for a busy tourism season.”

Luc Erjavec, vice-president, Atlantic Canada, for Restaurants Canada, said: “Restaurants Canada believes this action to introduce new occupations under this immigration stream is a great option for employers in our sector to help fill their labour needs and hire more staff. This will sustain businesses and allow the industry to grow in communities throughout the province. Nine of 10 restaurateurs are reporting labour shortages and these measures will help.”