SUDBURY - Member of Parliament for Sudbury, Viviane Lapointe, says the new National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a good boost for local employers and businesses in Sudbury.

Last week, the federal government announced the implementation of NOC as part of the Express Entry system of the Immigration Ministry. With the new program, newcomers with specific skills will benefit from expanded and expedited pathways to permanent residency, with six-month processing times. This new stream will help fill labour shortages in high demand sectors like healthcare and construction.

The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce welcomes the announcement regarding the new National Occupational Classification. Bringing newcomers who bring the skills the economy needs will help address the labour shortages we are seeing in Sudbury.

There are several occupations that are eligible to apply to the NOC Express Entry. These include heavy equipment operators, repairers and servicers, and residential and commercial installers.

Also included are healthcare occupations such as nurse aides, long-term care aides and hospital attendants. MP Lapointe says she is very pleased to see that key sectors like health care are included in the NOC.

Quotes:

“I see firsthand the impact of labour shortages in long-term care each time I visit my mother. People working at the frontlines of our health care system, and the people they care for, need more robust supports. This new program aims to do just that.” – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

"It is great to see the Government of Canada making changes to assist businesses with the struggle of finding staff. Ensuring a fast and effective means to allow the high demand sectors to leverage a growing immigration population is key to ensuring services are not interrupted or delayed. Businesses welcome any assistance in regards to this issue and expediting Express Entry is one step to positive change." - Anthony Davis, Chair, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, and president of Greater Sudbury Plumbing and HVAC

“This announcement is fantastic news.  At Plan A Powered by StaffStat we employ many young, first-generation new Canadians excited and grateful for jobs and career opportunities in our country. We have seen how complicated becoming a new Canadian can be through some of our employees experiences. It's time to do whatever it takes to expedite permanent residency and job opportunities in our community. We would not be the company we are today without embracing immigration into our growth strategy.” - Sheri Tomchick, Founder and President, Plan A Powered by StaffStat