Metropolis is one in every of 4 chosen for Ontario’s new Regional Financial Growth by way of Immigration program
Thunder Bay will likely be a part of a brand new, provincial pilot program to draw expert newcomers to town.
It’s one in every of 4 communities — together with Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, and Sarnia-Lambton — included as a part of Ontario’s Regional Financial Growth by way of Immigration (REDI) program, introduced on Jan. 17.
“Our government is growing rural and northern economies and giving them the tools they need to build for the future,” stated David Piccini, minister of Labour, Immigration, Coaching and Abilities Growth, in a authorities information launch.
“With REDI, we’re enabling rural and northern businesses to attract the talent they need, by providing a blueprint for targeted economic immigration that strengthens communities and drives our economic prosperity.”
Underneath this system, the province stated, native employers in these communities will have the ability to entice as much as 800 further staff in fields together with well being care, expertise and the expert trades, which incorporates building.
REDI will likely be delivered by way of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which prioritizes and accelerates expert immigration to fill in-demand labour wants that can’t at present be met.
Every taking part area could have 200 further nominations by way of the OINP’s Employer Job Provide.
This system will run for one 12 months, till Dec. 31, 2025.
Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement.
“The growth of the REDI pilot to Thunder Bay is a vital step in boosting the financial system and driving neighborhood development by serving to native companies entice the expert staff they should thrive,” she stated within the launch.
