The federal government will spend $1,125,000 to attract immigrants to the workforce needs of employers in and around North Bay.
A news release today says Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor funding will support over 35 communities and close to 840 businesses and 1,280 jobs.
In January, the government announced the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
See: New immigration pilot project should help fill labour shortage gaps
The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce will help launch the new program in the region.
"Funded through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program , this five-year project will help attract and retain newcomers to fill employment gaps in North Bay and surrounding areas, including communities within the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts and the Town of Latchford," says a release. "Specifically, the funding will be used to support outreach, administration, communications, and marketing needed to identify, designate and support businesses and help newcomers relocating to the region for work.
The program builds on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). RCIP will help spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in North Bay and area.
“This $1,125,000 investment reinforces our government's commitment to recruit and retain top talent so we can continue growing, supporting businesses and strengthening rural communities," says Nipissing—Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota.
“The Rural Community Immigration Pilot will help attract and keep skilled newcomers to our region and to support local businesses that are searching for talent to fill employment gaps," added Donna Backer, President of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce. "Not everyone wants to live in a metropolitan area and this program assists those who want to enjoy the quality of life in rural and northern communities."
The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce delivered the regional Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot since its inception in 2020 to August 31, 2024. During this period, they recommended 703 applicants through the pilot. Surveys identified that 96.7 percent of participants who responded were still residing within the North Bay & Area RNIP boundary.