Did You Know?
- Since 2003, over 9,800 newcomers from 150 countries have settled in more than 130 rural communities in Manitoba.
- In 2007 immigration to regional communities reached 2,569, equal to 1.1 percent of Canada's total immigration. The western region had the highest rate of immigration growth, receiving 642 newcomers, more than tripling the 2006 level.
Stats taken from the Manitoba Immigration Facts (PDF file download) - 2007 statistical Report.
Job Opportunities
- Whether you want to start your own business, are looking for employment or have an interest in agriculture and want to live in a safe family environment... we have it all!
- By contacting one of our community offices you can find out about the opportunities that await you.
- The Southwest region is currently hiring trades persons, medical staff, and other professionals. This region welcomes and encourages entrepreneurs to take a look at the opportunities of Southwest Manitoba.
- Visit the Assiniboine Regional Health Authority to find out more about careers in the regional medical field.
Southwest Manitoba is one of the greatest locations to be living and working in all of Canada! You and your family will have the opportunity to be part of our kind-hearted communities. Come and experience our wonderful world of success in industry, agriculture, community, health and education. This is where you and your family will have the opportunity to succeed in employment, lifestyle, and as a family.
The Southwest Regional Immigration Committee is comprised of eight communities and municipalities within the southwest region of Manitoba: Boissevain, Deloraine, Melita, Rivers, Rural Municipality of Pipestone, Rural Municipality of Whitewater, Souris and Virden. Our communities have all come together with the same purpose in mind; to attract and retain immigrants from around the globe. We want to insure your success as the newest member of our community.
We offer our services at no charge. We encourage you to contact the community of your choice for more information about immigrating to the Southwest!
Click here to view a map of Southwest Manitoba.
Start Your Exploration of the Southwest
- Select Southwest -- Information about our region, its history and our people, lifestyle and economy.
- Destination Southwest -- Determine your options for immigrating to the Southwest, including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
- Settle Southwest -- Find out more about working and living in the Southwest, including healthcare, education, childcare, seniors programs and important documents required.
- Indulge in Southwest -- Discover the recreation, arts, culture and leisure activities which can be part of your new life in the Southwest!
Family Success Stories
The Semper Family
Robin and Vicky Sempers recognized the opportunities in Southwest Manitoba, and just over a year ago they made their ambition a reality. As Vicky was offered an accredited position as a veterinarian assistant, she had to make some changes to her work qualifications in order to maintain her working status in Canada. Although this is different for every occupation it is good to know in advance that depending on your profession you may have to update, or re-certify for certain jobs.
Robin and Vicky then applied for work permits. Once all the paperwork had been gathered the process was simpler and quicker than they had expected. Vicky and Robin had been told that it could take up to 12 weeks to complete the process, but everything arrived within a month. Generally, they found the biggest problem was that they really had no-one that they could contact for advice when they were to filling out the forms.
Southwest Manitoba in the eyes of a newcomer:
- Why did you choose southwest Manitoba?
I have family here (they immigrated to Southwest Manitoba about 5 years ago). We also liked the area, having visited on numerous occasions. Generally, I was looking to change jobs and was hoping to do more large animal work, which is on the decline in the UK, and Manitoba was a good place to do this. We also really liked the pace of life here and how friendly everyone was. - What do you like best about southwest Manitoba?
The people, a more relaxed pace of life, reduced cost of living, and it doesn't rain all the time... - What do you dislike?
Most attractions close for the winter and temperature below -20C - What would you have liked to know before you got here that you didn't?
Having family already living here, we were fully aware of most potential pitfalls, but it definitely pays to make sure that you have an understanding of the tax system, CPP, EI etc before taking up employment here. Also being prepared for winter is very important to know about. - How does Southwest Manitoba make you feel?
I feel very happy here and I already feel like I belong here, even though it has only been a short time. My husband is also a lot happier than he was in the UK. We love the fact that the sun shines at some point nearly every day, a far cry from the South West of England! - What is something you would like potential immigrants to know about southwest?
Things are definitely very seasonal here-don't expect things to stay open year round as they do in the UK. Also -40 sounds terrible but it is not as bad as you imagine! - How has moving to southwest Manitoba helped you and/or your family?
Being close to my family has been really nice and my current employment is a vast improvement on where I was before. I really couldn't find a better bunch of people to work with and we find that we have more time to spend with each other, now that neither of us are driving long distances to work or working such long hours and we love the open space!!