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Ottawa launches new immigration pilots to attract skilled workers to rural, Francophone communities

by HR News Canada
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In a bid to address the economic and demographic challenges faced by rural and Francophone minority communities, the Government of Canada is launching two new immigration pilots this fall. These initiatives aim to attract skilled workers to bolster local economies and support community growth.

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the opening of the community application process for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. Economic development organizations across Canada are encouraged to apply on behalf of their communities to participate in these pilots.

“Promoting growth and vitality in rural and Francophone minority communities is crucial to our national identity, and we recognize the unique economic, linguistic and cultural contributions that newcomers bring to these areas,” said Minister Miller. “That is why we are introducing these new pilots and inviting rural and Francophone minority communities outside Quebec to apply. I look forward to working together to address the diverse needs of these communities across Canada.”

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will select up to 15 communities to take part in these pilots. Selection criteria include the economic needs of the community, the availability of services and programs to assist newcomers, and the capacity of local economic development organizations to partner with IRCC. The selected communities will be announced in the coming months, with onboarding and training slated to begin this fall.

Organizations interested in participating must submit their applications using IRCC’s questionnaire by July 2, 2024.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot together will allow IRCC to process up to 5,500 permanent resident applications annually. This initiative aligns with IRCC’s Policy on Francophone Immigration, emphasizing the inclusion of new Francophone communities in regional economic immigration programs.

This announcement follows the October 2023 release of “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future,” a report outlining a pathway to strengthen Canada’s immigration system to better meet the needs of the country and newcomers. The new pilots are part of ongoing efforts to enhance regional immigration strategies.

For more information on how to apply or learn more about the community application process, visit the IRCC website.

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