FedNor funding to help fill employment gaps in the area
The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce is receiving just over $1.1 million to launch the new North Bay and Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program in the region.
Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming made the FedNor funding announcement.
The 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.
“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,” says Rota. “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.”
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.
“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,” says Donna Backer, Chamber President & CEO. “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.”
Officials say the program builds on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, which ran from 2020 to August 31, 2024.
During that time 703 applicants were recommended with surveys showing that 96.7 percent of participants who responded were still residing within the North Bay & Area RNIP boundary.