Funding for city immigration portal

Six years ago the City of North Bay, through the support of the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Immigration Information Online (MIIO) Program, launched an online immigration portal www.northbayimmigration.ca.  This online resource was created to provide easy access to local information for prospective and recently settled newcomers. 

The portal continues to be the leading recruitment support tool in North Bay’s on-going recruitment efforts.

The government approved a grant of $30,000, $25,000of which was just approved by the province.

This year, with new funding provided by the Government of Ontario, the portal will undergo multiple online updates which include the creation of new recruitment assistance tools for local employers, first days’ checklists and other settlement resources.  These projects have all been made possible through the strong partnership between the City of North Bay and the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre with support of the North Bay Newcomer Network and their numerous dedicated volunteers.

“Municipalities have the same goal of attracting the newcomers they need to keep their local economies growing.  Working together, they can inspire each other to find solutions and get a greater return on their investment” says Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.

“We appreciate the ongoing support from the Government of Ontario which has enabled us to support newcomers in the community” says Mayor Al McDonald.  “We also value our continued partnership with the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, and we are excited about the progress of the initial program started in 2010.”

Invest North Bay Chair, Paul Goulet, recognizes the important role immigration will continue to play in growing our community.  “North Bay embraces its rich history and cultural diversity as we continue to promote investment opportunities to new Canadians.”

The portal is updated regularly with useful information on newcomer services such as language training programs, settlement services, relevant community groups and a directory of contacts.  For more information, please contact Tanya Bédard, Economic Development Officer and Immigration Lead at: 705.474.0400 ext.2318 or [email protected].