P.E.I.'s new immigration policy hurting service and retail sectors, business leaders say

Two of the Island's chambers of commerce say the province's plan to reduce immigration is hurting businesses, and has prompted hundreds of foreign workers to leave P.E.I. 

The provincial government announced in February it is reducing its nominees for permanent residency by 25 per cent, and will focus on nominating workers in health care, child care and the trades. 

The Summerside and Charlottetown chambers of commerce say that leaves many who work in retail and the service sector without a chance at permanent residency any time soon.

Kaley O'Brien, CEO of the Summerside chamber, said many of those workers have left their jobs, and the province. Even her local Tim Hortons drive-thru was closed Monday, she said, with a sign stating the closure was due to staff shortages.

"We have employers that can no longer staff certain positions," O'Brien said.

"They're having a struggle keeping the workforce that they do have because employees are scared. Employees are scared they're no longer qualified for their [permanent residency], and that they don't see a future here in Prince Edward Island, and they're leaving."

The chambers say the immigration changes are also making it tough to attract new foreign workers who aren't likely to come without a pathway to permanent residency on P.E.I. 

"We urge the government to work collaboratively with business, chambers, and stakeholders to develop solutions and address the challenges posed by population growth without compromising the vitality of our economy and the quality of services provided to residents and visitors alike," said Bianca McGregor, CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.

The two business groups are calling on government to reassess its plan.

In an emailed statement to CBC News on Monday, the P.E.I. government said it is not considering any immediate changes to its immigration policy.

"Given the pressures faced in critical sectors such as health care, education, among others identified as high-priority earlier this year, these are the temporary measures the province must undertake at this time like other jurisdictions. These measures are being monitored and will be adjusted when and where needed," the statement reads.

Harneet Brar, owner of House of Spice Restaurant in Summerside, says she is concerned about losing employees after their work permits run out and they have no other options.

"When you want somebody in an Indian restaurant, we need that authentic taste so I do need a temporary foreign worker who is experienced," Brar said. 

She said she's also seen a reduction in her customer base.