Business representatives are voicing concerns about the impact of recent changes in immigration policy on the labor force. Around 100 protestors assembled outside the Charlottetown legislature, urging authorities to reconsider alterations to Prince Edward Island’s immigration regulations. Meanwhile, during a session of the legislative standing committee, representatives from the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce and the Eastern P.E.I. Chamber of Commerce underscored the adverse effects witnessed in the food and service sectors since the province modified its permanent residency policy earlier this year.
Bianca McGregor, CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area of Commerce, expressed apprehension, stating, “It’s been really concerning, and people are worried that they’re going to lose more workers and that they won’t be able to provide or maintain the level of service that they normally would.” McGregor emphasized the potential shortfall in labor, highlighting statistics from 1980 juxtaposed with current figures, indicating a pressing need for immigration to address workforce shortages.
Similarly, Blake Doyle, an immigration consultant and former president of the Greater Summerside Area Chamber of Commerce, echoed McGregor’s sentiments, noting concerns raised by businesses over potential staff losses if individuals are not permitted to extend their work permits. Both McGregor and Doyle emphasized the heightened concern as the summer tourism season approaches.
The protestors, primarily comprising service sector and retail workers facing uncertainty regarding work permit renewals, have been staging demonstrations for weeks, with some resorting to a hunger strike in late May. Jaspreet Singh Sivia, one of the affected workers, expressed gratitude for the support from the business community, affirming their determination to continue protesting until the immigration policy changes are reversed.
Sivia highlighted the lack of viable solutions presented by provincial officials, stating, “They were giving us other invalid options like LMIA [Labour Market Impact Assessment] or other jobs and jobs with other employers.” He emphasized the direct impact of workers leaving their jobs or the province, exacerbating labor shortages and economic losses for businesses.
While the province assured chambers of commerce of their involvement in the consultation process for permanent residency allocation in 2025, no immediate changes are anticipated this year. McGregor expressed concern over the lack of advance notice regarding the policy changes, emphasizing the importance of timely communication for businesses to adapt effectively. Doyle suggested looking to Manitoba’s approach of lobbying Ottawa to extend temporary resident status for potential solutions, expressing hope that the committee would consider and implement valid proposals presented by the business community.