The federal government is moving to make it easier for immigration, with an eye to strengthening the local economies of rural communities including North Bay.
"Rural and Francophone minority communities are key to both Canada's long-term growth and our linguistic vitality," says a government news release. "However, these communities face unique economic and demographic challenges. That is why the Government of Canada is launching two new pilots this fall to attract the skilled workers they need to grow their economies and communities."
Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, launched the community application process for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot today.
Two weeks ago MP Anthony Rota heralded the initiative, calling it "tremendous news for Nipissing-Timiskaming and all of northern Ontario."
See: New immigration pilot will target rural communities
And: Newcomers in city relieved that RNIP is here to stay
Interested economic development organizations across Canada can apply for one or both of the pilots. These organizations will submit an application on behalf of their communities, and must demonstrate their eligibility and show how immigration will strengthen their local economies.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will select up to 15 communities to participate in the pilots based on their economic needs, the availability of services and programs to assist newcomers, and the capacity of their economic development organizations to partner with IRCC. IRCC will announce the selected participants in the coming months and will begin their onboarding and training this fall .
All interested organizations must apply using IRCC's questionnaire by July 2, 2024.
Together, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot will allow IRCC to process up to 5,500 permanent resident applications per year.
