New programs in Timmins area to boost economic immigration

Two new pilot programs being offered in the Timmins region aim to boost economic immigration and match employers with skilled labour.

Two new pilot programs offered in the Timmins region aim to boost economic immigration.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot are now available to qualifying employers from here to Hearst, to Kirkland Lake and south to Temiskaming Shores.

“So they would approach us and say, I have this individual who’s working for me already within a priority sector, or, you know, I have found this person abroad and I would like to bring them over through this program,” said Madison Mizzau, community development consultant with the Timmins Economic Development Corp.

“And then … we would go through the process of application for them.”

“We have it laid out on our website, but basically it’s a monthly intake process and then candidates, if they’re successful meeting the requirements, then they would have received a certificate of recommendation to apply for permanent residency,” Mizzau added.

Mizzau said the TEDC’s previous immigration pilot programs helped more than 260 employers in the region and more than 750 candidates – many of whom are still working here.

The TEDC anticipates the new pilots could help more than 300 employers and more than 1,000 candidates.

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“And this program will allow them to stay in Canada, stay with their employer, and … continue contributing to the economic development of the region,” said Mizzau.

Information is available on the TEDC website, including what the priority occupations and sectors are, such as health, trades, and education.

Employer information sessions will be offered throughout the region next week.