September 22, 2020
For immediate release
Learn about Timmins’ immigration pilot program at upcoming info sessions
TIMMINS, ON – The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) will be hosting online information sessions in October for employers interested in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). The pilot will address labour force shortages and skills gaps by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers. The TEDC is helping employers identify their labour demands and fill positions that they have been struggling to fill with Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Census data shows a steady decline in Timmins’ population over the last two decades, a loss of 12% since 1996, due to both youth out-migration and a declining birth rate. Coupled with an aging population soon facing retirement, the concern among employers is growing. According to the 2019 Business Confidence Report from the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, 88% of employers cited that a lack of access to a skilled workforce is impacting their business operations and future potential growth.
Fred Gibbons, chair of the TEDC board said, “This new federal immigration pilot is an opportunity to welcome immigrants who will contribute to our local labour market and economy.” The TEDC is leading the pilot, with support from over a dozen partners, including the Multicultural Centre, the City of Timmins, the Chamber, the Far Northeast Training Board, Timmins Employer Council, Collège Boréal and Northern College.
According to Christy Marinig, CEO of the TEDC, “Applicants must have a full-time, permanent job offer from a local employer in order to be eligible, as well, applicants must have a certain amount of funds in their bank account to help them settle in the community.”
Kristin Johnson, Human Resources Manager at engineering, architecture, and planning firm J.L. Richards & Associates said, “Participating in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot has been a simple and straightforward process.” She added, “As employers, it allows us to connect with a wider community to engage talented job seekers. Everybody benefits when we can learn from each other’s diverse experiences in the workplace.”
Employers wishing to participate in the pilot can contact the TEDC. View the list of priority occupations and sectors here.
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For more information, please contact Kelsey Luxton at kelsey.luxton@timmins.ca or (705) 360-2656.
About the TEDC
The TEDC is the city’s non-profit community economic development team. We facilitate and support economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.
