Over 800 Individuals Assisted by Immigration Program in Thunder Bay

So far, over 800 individuals have received assistance from the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in Thunder Bay, Ont., as businesses seek to address important labor shortages in the region.

This five-year initiative was introduced last year by Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu. Employers provide recommendation certificates to newcomers, enabling them to work locally and apply for permanent residency.

“It is an employer-led program, so employers need to apply and get designated and then they put forward candidates that meet the objectives of the program,” said Jamie Taylor, chief executive officer of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), which manages the program at a local level.

The RCIP has taken over from the previous Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program, which concluded in summer 2024. It’s available in just over a dozen communities, including Sudbury, Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie in northern Ontario.

The program focuses on several critical sectors in Thunder Bay such as business, health care, community services, sales and service roles, trades, and transportation.

“We prioritize sectors that still struggle with finding workers. We’re not trying to take jobs away from those who could be hired locally,” said Taylor. “[We are] really focusing on sectors and positions that are essential for businesses to succeed.”

LISTEN | First year a success for Thunder Bay immigration pilot:

6:07First year a success for Thunder Bay immigration pilot

It’s been one year since the Rural Community Immigration Pilot started in various northern Ontario communities. We’ll hear from Jamie Taylor of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission about how it has impacted the city and what they hope for its future four years.

The initial year of the pilot saw 358 employers get designated along with 475 recommendation certificates issued, representing its full annual capacity. In total, there have been 475 principal applicants supported alongside 356 dependents, making it a total of 831 people helped according to CEDC data.

“Employers are searching for skilled workers not just to keep their businesses running but also to expand them; often that talent isn’t available within our local market,” noted Hajdu, who holds dual roles as minister of jobs and families as well as minister responsible for Fed Nor.

While some regions “have experienced very rapid growth in immigration that’s hard to sustain,” stated Hajdu, “there are areas like northern Ontario where we’re facing real labor shortages.”

“Our government has been taking steps to manage immigration flows effectively while ensuring communities have what they need for successful newcomer integration,” she added.

‘We need all of these pathways’

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced last November that permanent resident admissions “will stabilize at 380,000 from 2026 to 2028.”

<p“To support a return to sustainable immigration levels, the government is committed to lowering Canada’s temporary population below five percent of its total population by the end of 2027,” stated their press release.

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu is seen outside her office in Thunder Bay, Ont., in this file photo. (Marc Doucette/CBC)

Although Taylor mentioned that community partners understand that spots for immigration across Canada are limited right now,“so far they’ve acknowledged that rural immigration remains important , and we hope they will keep supporting it.”

Hajdu expressed her commitment toward advocating for continued support of RCIP.

<p“I agree we must ensure immigration is managed well but also make sure companies have access to talent needed for them to grow,” she stated.

The Thunder Bay CEDC hopes for similar allocations under RCIP this year.

“All these pathways are necessary. We want everyone locally able find work , we need more immigrant options , and more Indigenous training opportunities so more can enter workforce” , Taylor remarked.

“These factors are crucial for enhancing growth both within Thunder Bay , and northwestern Ontario.”

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