Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Launches
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Initiative Announcement
Eleven rural and northern communities have been chosen to participate in the new Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, inviting newcomers to settle permanently.
Communities Welcoming Newcomers to Bolster Local Economies
June 14, 2019—Sault Ste. Marie, ON— Selected communities will invite newcomers to establish roots, aiming to rejuvenate local economies by supporting middle-class job markets.
With Canada’s aging population and declining birth rate, rural areas face a workforce shortage. This pilot seeks to attract essential workers to drive economic expansion and sustain middle-class employment.
The initiative will provide participating communities with access to resources to implement this innovative, community-driven approach, addressing labor shortages. Selected areas include Thunder Bay (ON), Sault Ste. Marie (ON), Sudbury (ON), Timmins (ON), North Bay (ON), Gretna-Rhineland-Altona-Plum Coulee (MB), Brandon (MB), Moose Jaw (SK), Claresholm (AB), West Kootenay (BC), and Vernon (BC). These represent various Canadian regions, serving as a model for wider implementation.
In parallel, Canada collaborates with territories to address unique immigration requirements in the North. The nation remains dedicated to attracting global talent to fill skill gaps and bolster rural economies, benefiting all Canadians.
Testimonials
“The equation is quite simple. Attracting and retaining newcomers with the needed skills equals a recipe for success for Canada’s rural and northern communities. We have tested a similar immigration pilot in Atlantic Canada and it has already shown tremendous results for both newcomers and Canadians.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Removing barriers to economic development and promoting growth in local communities across the country is a priority for the Government of Canada. This pilot will support the economic development of these communities by testing new, community-driven approaches to address their diverse labour market needs. The initial results of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot show that it has been a great success. I’m pleased we are able to introduce this new pilot to continue experimenting with how immigration can help ensure the continued vibrancy of rural areas across the country.”
– The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development Canada
“Small initiatives can mean big results for the future of towns like Sault Ste. Marie in our tourism, mining and manufacturing sectors. The jobs of tomorrow for the middle-class go hand-in-hand with economic development and filling key vacancies with skilled talent from around the world.”
– Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
Key Information
- During the summer, the government will collaborate with selected communities to identify permanent residence candidates by fall 2019.
- Communities will recruit and endorse candidates for permanent residence.
- Newcomers are expected to begin arriving in 2020.
- Communities partnered with local economic development organizations to demonstrate eligibility by March 11, 2019. View the eligibility criteria.
- The Atlantic Immigration Pilot, launched in March 2017, allows the endorsement of up to 2,500 workers in 2019 to meet regional labor market demands.
- Over four million Canadians work in rural areas, contributing nearly 30% of the national GDP.
- Rural regions provide essential resources like food, water, and energy for urban centers, supporting Canada’s thriving economy.
- From 2001 to 2016, potential worker numbers dropped by 23%, while potential retiree numbers rose by 40%.
Related Resources
Contact Information
Media Inquiries Only
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot?
The pilot aims to attract skilled newcomers to rural and northern communities to support local economies and address workforce shortages.
Which communities are participating in the pilot?
Communities include Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury in Ontario, among others across Canada.
When will newcomers begin arriving?
New arrivals under this pilot are expected to start in 2020.
How does the pilot benefit rural areas?
It supports economic growth, fills labor gaps, and helps sustain middle-class jobs in these regions.
What role do local communities play in this pilot?
Communities are responsible for recruiting and endorsing candidates for permanent residence.
