Class-Action Suit Filed Against N.S. Gov’t Over Failed Immigrant Program

Class-action suit filed against N.S. gov't over failed immigrant program

The Canadian Press, December 16, 2009
http://www.metronews.ca/edmonton/canada/article/399024–class-action-suit-filed-against-n-s-gov-t-over-failed-immigrant-program

Halifax (CP) — A man originally from the United Kingdom has launched a lawsuit against the Nova Scotia government over a failed nominee program that was supposed to pair new immigrants with on-the-job training.

The proposed class-action suit was filed Monday on behalf of Peter King, who moved to Halifax in April 2006 after shelling out $130,500 to participate in the program.

The statement of claim alleges King applied unsuccessfully for a number of jobs with mentor companies approved by the province until June 2006, when he accepted a position in Kelowna, B.C.

King, who alleges the Nova Scotia government breached its contract with him, is seeking $100,000 plus interest and damages.

The allegations in the statement of claim have not been proven in court.

A number of immigrants who paid into the nominee program under the former Conservative government complained they didn't get the training they were promised.

The provincial government has announced it would refund immigrants who met certain requirements, including those who have lived in Nova Scotia for 12 consecutive months.