Northern Ontario is facing a skilled labor crisis that threatens its communities’ economic growth and sustainability. To address this situation, the Northern Ontario Chambers of Commerce, municipal representatives of economic development and additional organizations urge the provincial government to increase the region’s skilled immigration quota to 3,000 people annually.
Become A Canadian offers specialized immigration advice to numerous individuals each year. If you are considering moving to Canada, contact them today to receive personalized support.
The region currently receives between 100 and 200 people annually through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, while most immigrants concentrate in Toronto.
This effort is crucial, as Charles Cirtwill, director of the Northern Policy Institute, emphasizes that the region needs 10,000 new residents each year over the next decade to sustain its communities. The shortage of skilled labor affects the construction sector, where the lack of workers slows down housing development and impacts key industries such as mining, forestry, and retail.
According to projections, cities like Greater Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie would receive a greater number of newcomers under this program. The goal is to link immigration with specific job demands, allowing new immigrants to fill the most urgent vacancies.
Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, also highlights that immigration is vital to revitalizing rural communities. As the local population ages and retires, new immigrants must pay taxes and contribute to the maintenance of municipal services. Additionally, diversifying local communities through immigration can ease the transition for newcomers by helping them find already-established cultural communities.
This effort, supported by municipal and provincial officials, is a first step towards solving the skilled labor crisis facing Northern Ontario. With unanimous support from stakeholders, it is hoped that this increase in the immigration quota will become a reality in the near future.
Become A Canadian specializes in advising those looking to emigrate to Canada from different parts of the world. If you are interested in starting this exciting journey, do not hesitate to contact them today.
