Thunder Bay has been selected as a participant in the new federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
The pilot is designed to help employers connect with new talent or retain existing skilled workers to address critical labour shortages.
Through this initiative, Thunder Bay will have the chance to attract or retain immigrants who can strengthen the local workforce and contribute to the region.
RCIP is one of two new immigration pilots announced in March 2024 to help rural and Francophone minority communities attract and retain newcomers with the right skills to help their local economy.
The Francophone Community Immigration Pilot aims to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone minority communities outside of Quebec.
The goal is to help the economic development of Francophone minority communities.
At the time of the announcement, the federal government said it was working on permanent programs.
“Thunder Bay is a shining example of how by adding skilled talent from the world, our local economy thrives. By matching skilled newcomers with local jobs, we’re tackling labour shortages, boosting the economy, and ensuring businesses can thrive,” said Thunder Bay-Superior North MP, Patty Hadju. “Programs like the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots are helping to keep our region vibrant, competitive, and welcoming, so everyone who works hard has the chance to succeed. This is about securing a stronger future for our community, where families, businesses, and neighbors can all grow together.”
These pilots will provide 18 communities with a permanent residence pathway to attract and retain immigrants who can fill key jobs and who want to live long-term in these areas.
The success of the previously operated Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) which connected businesses and employers in remote communities with skilled workers led to the development of the new pilot programs.
“Building on the success of the RNIP, the new Pilot will be a key component of our population growth strategy as we look ahead to the next five years,” said CEO of the Thunder Bay CEDC, Jamie Taylor. “We are thrilled to collaborate closely with local employers to continue identifying and addressing critical gaps in our labour market.”
Thunder Bay’s Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) is operating the program in Thunder Bay.
“We are honoured to have been awarded the opportunity to administer the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, a key program that will help local employers address critical labour market gaps and support our long-term population growth strategy,” said Taylor. “This success builds on our community’s strong track record of attracting and retaining newcomers to fill important employment opportunities.”
They will work with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify its critical labour gaps, designate trustworthy employers and recommend suitable candidates to IRC for permanent residence.
The program is employer-focused, and the CEDC will work closely with local businesses to identify labour force gaps.
This will ensure that the RCIP addresses the community’s current needs and challenges.
IRCC has begun training the economic development organizations, and each community will provide details and timelines on when employers and prospective permanent residence candidates can expect to have a chance to apply.
The following communities are participating in the pilot:
- Pictou County, NS
- Altona/Rhineland, MB
- North Bay, ON
- Brandon, MB
- Sudbury, ON
- Moose Jaw, SK
- Timmins, ON
- Claresholm, AB
- Sault Ste. Marie, ON
- West Kootenay, BC
- Thunder Bay, ON
- North Okanagan Shuswap, BC
- Steinbach, MB
- Peace Liard, BC
Employers interested in applying for the program or learning more should follow the CEDC’s social media or sign up for notifications on the program here.
