RANS Statement
July 2026
The impacts to labour within the food & beverage industry have been significant following the changes made to immigration policies by the Federal Government over the past couple of years. The reality is that provinces are operating with fewer allotments under Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and focusing on sectors such as health care and construction.
In Nova Scotia, both foodservice and accommodations have not been able to utilize the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) since the Spring of 2024 and changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) program have been impactful. Furthermore, with the province moving to an Expression of Interest (EOI), many permit renewals under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) are not being processed/pulled from the pool for our industry.
Sadly, operators are losing valuable and critical staff. This is no longer just posing challenges with recruitment; it is negatively impacting retention! Individuals who have made Nova Scotia their home, contributed to the economy, and have valuable employment are faced with no other choice than to leave Nova Scotia.
We urge those being impacted to notify MPs and MLAs in your area. It is crucial that, in addition to the work RANS is doing to inform government and advocate for change, our businesses also do the same.
The Legislative Assembly for Nova Scotia
What RANS will continue to do
- Partake in the Reimaging Immigration Coalition lead by the Commissioners for Employers
- Engage with various departments of government in the province to share critical insights and economic impacts
- Connect operators to resources and supports for industry
- Media relations on the topic of labour shortages and the impact (RANS in the News)
- RANS is delivering a program in 2026-2027 to support Enhanced Direct Entry to Apprenticeship with a goal to introduce 40 Red Seal Chefs into the industry once they complete their training requirements
Nova Scotia Immigration Pathways
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada must usually get before hiring a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker can do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a Confirmation letter.
*Employers are required to have an LMIA to access Federal and Provincial immigration opportunities.
Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW)
Check TFW website to see if unemployment levels allow for TFW in your area.
Open to Hospitality Industry.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Moved to Expression of Interest. Closed to Hospitality Industry.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP or NSNP)
Closed to Hospitality Industry (2024)
Additional Information
Nova Scotia government site for immigration to the province. The website contains programs and support for both immigrants and employers of immigrants.
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
ISANS is the leading immigrant settlement service agency in Atlantic Canada, serving 17,000+ clients annually in 104 communities across Nova Scotia, through many kinds of services—language, settlement, community integration, business development, and employment—both in person and online.
College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Everything you need to know about working with an immigration consultant.
Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) Member Benefit
The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) has partnered with Brij Rathi Consultancy (BRC) to provide RANS members with comprehensive Canadian immigration services at preferred member rates.
Through this partnership, BRC offers professional guidance and end-to-end support for a wide range of employer and employee immigration programs, including but not limited to:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Express Entry
- Employer compliance and immigration strategy
- Work permits and related immigration applications
Whether you are looking to recruit international talent, retain existing employees, or explore permanent residence pathways for your workforce, Brij Rathi Consultancy can provide tailored immigration solutions to meet your business needs.
For more information or to access this exclusive RANS member benefit, please contact:
Brij Rathi
Phone: (780) 953-9090
Email: brathi@brijrathi.com
