Expansion of Canada's Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program is announced
Sean Fraser issued a statement.
The Canadian government is committed to supporting rural and northern communities across the country, so it is actively working to increase immigration to create jobs, address labour shortages and promote business development.
Last week, Sean Fraser, Canada's Minister of Immigration, announced the expansion of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program (RNIP), increasing assistance to the 11 participating communities. A number of innovations will be implemented this fall that will support community partners, employers and applicants. Planned:
- expanding the geographic boundaries of communities to increase the number of potential employers: North Bay (Ontario), Sudbury (Ontario), Timmins (Ontario), Thunder Bay (Ontario), Moose Joe (Saskatchewan), West Kootenay (British Columbia) and Vernon (British Columbia);
- Expanding the range of positions available to candidates with specific health care and trade experience;
- allowing communities to participate in the program for a longer period of time, until August 2024;
- Helping community partners provide more support to candidates and employers;
- reducing the amount of settlement funds that participants must have;
- Strengthening the integrity of the program.
In his statement, Fraser emphasizes: "Rural and northern communities face unique economic and demographic challenges, and the RNIP expansions announced today make it much easier for communities to meet their immediate labor market needs. They also expand community boundaries so that employers in remote areas can access the program, helping to support economic development and growth in small communities across the country."
According to recent data, Canada's rural communities employ more than 4 million Canadians and account for nearly 30 per cent of GDP. They help supply urban centers with food, water and energy, supporting industries that contribute to Canada's thriving economy. In January 2022, the government invested $35 million CAD to ensure newcomers settling in small towns and rural communities have access to basic services for their first year in Canada.
The announced changes will address the needs and stimulate the growth of small and rural communities across the country, and expanding the geographic boundaries of program participants will support more employers in meeting critical labor market needs.
