Canada is introducing two new pilot programs to help rural and Francophone minority communities attract and retain newcomers with the right skills to help their regions succeed.
"Rural and Francophone minority communities make vital contributions to Canada’s economy and culture, but they frequently face unique labour market and demographic challenges as the majority of Canadians and newcomers settle in Canada’s urban centres. In particular, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) was successful in connecting businesses and employers in remote communities with the skilled newcomers they need to thrive," says a news release.
Today, the govenment announced the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and the communities chosen to participate.
"These pilots will provide 18 communities with a permanent residence pathway to attract and retain newcomers who can fill key jobs and who want to live long-term in these areas."
MP Anthony Rota, highlighted that North Bay is one of the communities selected to participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot.
"The Rural Community Immigration Pilot ensures that rural communities have access to programs that address labour shortages and help local businesses find the workers they need. The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot focuses on increasing the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec. This ensures the economic development of Francophone minority communities, while also helping to restore and increase their demographic weight," says the release.
North Bay will be represented by the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, which will work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to identify its critical labour gaps, designate trustworthy employers and recommend suitable candidates to IRCC for permanent residence.
Northern Ontario communities that will participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP):
- North Bay
- Sudbury
- Timmins
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Thunder Bay
The following north Ontario communities will participate in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP):
- Sudbury
- Timmins
- Superior East Region
“The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) has been successful in connecting businesses and employers in remote communities with the skilled newcomers they need.," says Rota. "The Rural Community Immigration Pilot continues the important work of attracting workers interested in the lifestyle offered in rural and northern communities. It builds on the previous pilot to define clearer roles between the department and participating communities to better support their needs.”
“Our Chamber, along with many community partners, are pleased to have delivered a successful RNIP to the North Bay and Area communities and we look forward to continuing this community-driven program that is designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to rural communities,” added Donna Backer, President of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce.
On October 31, 2023, IRCC released An Immigration System for Canada’s Future—a report that lays out a pathway to strengthen our immigration system to better meet the needs of our country and of newcomers. As part of the work to implement the actions identified in the report, IRCC continues exploring opportunities to enhance regional immigration, including through these new pilots.