A recent announcement creating a new federal immigration pilot program to help rural and northern communities is being welcomed locally.

Immigration strategy and settlement services professional Don Curry tells BayToday a special plan is needed for the north and it’s great to see it happening.

He says everyone involved in the local application will need to put a strong case together.

“North Bay really has to put in a strong proposal because it’s think it’s limited to about 100 workers per community, and their families,” he says.

Curry also says it’s not just skilled labour shortages that need to be filled.

“Entry-level jobs are going unfilled, the hospitality industry, the restaurant industry, the hotels need people right through the north,” he says.

In January, Ottawa announced the pilot program to support rural and northern economic growth (photo above by Nick Liard).

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Ahmed Hussen announced the five-year program in Sudbury, saying it will help ensure the benefits of immigration are shared across the country.

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Filed under: North Bay area