The provincial nominee program is a way for provinces to select applicants who match their labour-market and community needs. The PNP meaning is straightforward: a province nominates a candidate it believes can contribute to its economy, and that nomination supports the candidate's permanent residence application.
Provincial nomination works alongside the federal process. Provincial immigration programs assess your profile first, and an Edmonton nomination connects eligible applicants who plan to settle in the city with the next stage. PNP eligibility in Canada differs from one program to another, so provincial nomination eligibility depends on the stream you choose and your own circumstances.
A nomination does not by itself grant permanent residence. After nomination, you move into the federal permanent residence process, where your complete application is reviewed.