Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming, announced that FedNor is investing $1,125,000 in the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce to help them launch the new North Bay and Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program in the region. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, this five-year project will help attract and retain newcomers to fill employment gaps in the City of North Bay and surrounding areas, including communities within the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts and the Town of Latchford. Specifically, the funding will be used to support outreach, administration, communications, and marketing needed to identify, designate and support businesses and help newcomers relocating to the region for work.
Building on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), RCIP will help spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in North Bay and Area.
“Our Government is focused on programs and safeguards to make sure that no matter what challenges are ahead, Northern Ontario businesses have the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive. By attracting new talent from around the world to help build up the economy and by creating high-quality jobs in the region, we are working together to develop stronger, more resilient communities across Northern Ontario.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“This $1,125,000 investment reinforces our government’s commitment to recruit and retain top talent so we can continue growing, supporting businesses and strengthening rural communities. Our government’s focus on immigration and diversification will help build up our region and support high-quality jobs here at home in Nipissing-Timiskaming.”
- Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Timiskaming
“The Rural Community Immigration Pilot will help attract and keep skilled newcomers to our region and to support local businesses that are searching for talent to fill employment gaps. Not everyone wants to live in a metropolitan area and this program assists those who want to enjoy the quality of life in rural and northern communities. I am pleased that FedNor recognizes the importance of the program and is investing to maximize our social and economic potential by addressing the workforce needs of the region.”
- Donna Backer, President & CEO, North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, create jobs, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce delivered the regional Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) since its inception in 2020 to August 31, 2024. During this period, they recommended 703 applicants through the pilot. Surveys identified that 96.7 percent of participants who responded were still residing within the North Bay & Area RNIP boundary.
