Attracting new immigrants is one of the main priorities of a new $1 million Canadian government investment in Northern Ontario.

Patty Hajdu and Marcus Powlowski, who are Members of Parliament for the Thunder Bay area announced the million-dollar investment to the Thunder Bay-Superior North region on April 7. The funding is intended to help municipalities and Indigenous communities grow their economies and create well-paying jobs for locals as well as newcomers.

The government is looking to achieve these goals through a number of avenues. One of which includes attracting immigrants to the Thunder Bay-Superior North region by matching skilled workers to what employers need.

“Today’s announcement will enhance tourism and further accelerate community economic development and business growth here at home in Northwestern Ontario,” said Hajdu, “Our government’s focus on economic diversification and immigration will support a strong economic recovery that is inclusive, sustainable, and creates good jobs for families throughout Thunder Bay-Superior North.”

Canada is investing about $490,500 in the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission to support Canada’s Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). This will help employers in the region better understand the immigration pathways available so that they can meet their labour needs. In addition, these funds will help to promote jobs to newcomers, and to provide employer diversity training.

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What is the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?

The RNIP is a community-driven immigration program that helps participating municipalities attract and retain foreign workers. RNIP communities take the lead in attracting newcomers and matching them with potential employers in their respective regions.

Thunder Bay is one of 11 participating communities, which also include:

• North Bay, Ontario;
• Sudbury, Ontario;
• Timmins, Ontario;
• Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario;
• Brandon, Manitoba;
• Altona/Rhineland, Manitoba;
• Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan;
• Claresholm, Alberta;
• Vernon, British Columbia; and
• West Kootenay, British Columba.

If you are interested in immigrating to Canada through the RNIP, you will have to meet Canada’s federal requirements as well as the desired community’s requirements.

For the federal requirements, you are required to have a recommendation from one of the communities. You will also need to demonstrate having experience or connections to the community such as having a job offer, and at least one year of eligible work experience or a post-secondary credential from a local institution. You must also meet language requirements and have enough money to support yourself and your family while you settle in.

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