The chair of the North Bay and District Multicultural Centre, Don Curry, says he's "pleased" that the federal government is launching a pilot program to boost immigration in rural and northern communities struggling with labour shortages and population decline.
See: Hussen announces new pilot to boost immigration in rural and northern Canada
Curry says it will have a positive impact on the city.
"North Bay has really got to put in a strong proposal because it's limited to 100 workers per community and their families. We've got to make sure that Invest North Bay, the City, the Multicultural Centre, the Labour Market Group and anybody else should work to get a strong proposal in."
Curry says there are reports every month about jobs in the area going unfilled and this might fit the bill.
"They're talking about skilled labour but there are also entry-level jobs that are going unfilled like the hospitality industry, the restaurant industry. Hotels need people right through the north and then there's the skilled jobs from millwrights, welders and truck drivers. Those jobs are going begging."
More than two-thirds of immigrants to Canada settle in bigger cities, which is why municipal leaders in smaller towns and communities have been calling on Ottawa to do more to help them attract newcomers.
They believe immigration is key to helping their communities fill labour gaps as more people leave small-town Canada for urban centres.
"We'll have to make a case," explains Curry. "We have to show we have the jobs available, that'll be the big thing, and I think we do. It's a maximum of 100 per community so whatever we get is better than what we're getting now."
Curry says over the past couple of years he's interviewed dozens of immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners across the north.
"The vast majority are coming from the GTA. They're leaving because it's congested, the housing prices are so high and the cost of doing business is so high. They are very happy to be in the north. It's better family life, they're making money and they're out of all that congestion. I think we've got a good case to make."
See: New federal immigration program to support middle class jobs in rural and northern communities
