Former displaced individuals arrive in Nova Scotia to pursue careers in the healthcare industry

The federal government has set a goal to settle 2,000 individuals using this program in the next few years. Abdifatah Sabriye, a former refugee, expresses his excitement and happiness upon arriving in Canada and becoming a permanent resident. Sabriye and Patricia Kamssor, who gained healthcare experience in Kenya, will work as care assistants in a nursing home in Mahone Bay, N.S. Their journey to Canada is made possible through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, a federal program designed to address both labor shortages and the plight of displaced individuals. As of June 30, a total of 164 people, including applicants and their dependents, have arrived in Canada through this program, intending to settle in various provinces. These individuals had to meet the same requirements as traditional economic immigrants, demonstrating their healthcare experience and English proficiency. Sabriye and Kamssor, both 30 years old, encountered delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other program-related issues. However, improvements have been made to streamline the process and standardize eligibility criteria. Nova Scotia, in particular, is in urgent need of healthcare workers and construction workers to address its housing crisis. The MacLeod Group is providing temporary housing for the new employees until they find permanent accommodations. The federal government plans to expand the program to other sectors facing labor shortages with the aim of settling 2,000 qualified refugees in the coming years. Though already in Canada, Sabriye is saddened by the loss of his brother, who had a heart condition and passed away prior to his arrival. Despite this, Sabriye and Kamssor are eager to start working and are confident they will adapt well to their new lives in Canada.