The federal government is providing $1.125 million to help launch a new immigration pilot program in North Bay.
Announced on March 12, the funds will help the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce roll out the five-year North Bay and Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot, which will attract newcomers to fill gaps in the region’s labour market.
“The Rural Community Immigration Pilot will help attract and keep skilled newcomers to our region and to support local businesses that are searching for talent to fill employment gaps,” Donna Backer, the Chamber’s president and CEO, said in a government news release.
“Not everyone wants to live in a metropolitan area and this program assists those who want to enjoy the quality of life in rural and northern communities.
“I am pleased that FedNor recognizes the importance of the program and is investing to maximize our social and economic potential by addressing the workforce needs of the region.”
The FedNor funding will support outreach, administration, communications, and marketing needed to identify, designate and support businesses and help newcomers relocating to the region for work.
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot is expected to build on its predecessor, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which concluded in 2024.
Through that program, 703 applicants were recommended for immigration to North Bay; survey results show that 96.7 per cent of participants who responded were still residing in the North Bay region.
North Bay is one of 14 communities chosen by the federal government to participate in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, which offers permanent residence to skilled workers who want to work and settle in rural and more remote communities.
Other northern communities participating include Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timmins.
