TIMMINS, ON – The City of Timmins and surrounding region have been selected to participate in two new immigration pilots by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Building on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the new immigration pilots will continue to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities and help employers find the workers they need to overcome labour shortages. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) will facilitate the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) in the region.
“Both immigration pilots represent growth and prosperity for Timmins,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “With this opportunity we can work to expand our population base and attract new business and development, which helps us create sustainable infrastructure and maintain and improve key municipal services. We are ready to welcome skilled newcomers who will enrich our workforce and contribute to the vibrant fabric of Timmins.”
Although similar to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the new immigration pilots will have significant differences and the process will be more employer-driven. Employers wishing to participate in the pilots will have to undergo an employer designation process, which involves completing mandatory IRCC onboarding training and intercultural competency training.
The TEDC is seeking feedback from employers throughout the region – from Calstock east to Highway 101 at the Quebec border, south to Temiskaming Shores and west to Foleyet – to determine their current and near-future labour demands, and develop a focused list of priority sectors and occupations.
“These immigration pilots are meant to assist our employers who are struggling to fill positions with Canadian citizens or permanent residents by providing them with an additional avenue to secure a workforce,” said Brenda Camirand, Director of Economic Development for the City of Timmins. “It is crucial that we engage employers and hear directly from them regarding their job vacancies and labour market needs.”
Employers can complete a short survey online in English or French until February 14. While applications for the pilots will not open until the Spring, employers interested in learning more or participating in the pilots can contact the TEDC.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) ran for five years, ending in August 2024. Locally, RNIP helped over 268 businesses throughout the region address labour shortages and skills gaps, recommended 754 applicants from over 40 countries for permanent residence, and generated an estimated total value of $35 million in gross annual wages in the regional economy. RNIP also contributed to the highest population estimate for the City of Timmins in over a decade.
A French version of this media release is available upon request.
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For more information, please contact Kelsey Luxton at kelsey.luxton@timmins.ca or (705) 360-2656.
