TIMMINS - Timmins has been chosen for two new immigration pilot programs.
Today, the federal government launched the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Both the programs will be offered in Timmins.
“Both immigration pilots represent growth and prosperity for Timmins,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau in a news release.
“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.”
The RCIP is to address labour shortages in rural community and help businesses find workers, while the FCIP's goal is to increase the number of French-speaking newcomers.
This isn't the first time that Timmins is part of an immigration pilot program.
Through the five-year Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) that ended in August 2024, the Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) says 754 applicants from more than 40 countries were recommended for permanent residence. It's estimated to have added $35 million in gross wages to the regional economy.
The government is working to make RNIP a permanent program.
For the new programs, the TEDC is working with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to identify labour gaps, find employers and recommend candidates for permanent residence.
“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, Timmins director of economic development in a TEDC news release.
“It is crucial that we engage employers and hear directly from them regarding their job vacancies and labour market needs.”
The TEDC is looking for feedback from businesses from Calstock east to Highway 101 at the Quebec border, south to Temiskaming Shores and west to Foleyet.
Surveys are available online in English or French until Feb. 14.
The applications open in the spring, however interested employers can contact the TEDC.