As Canada's immigration landscape shifts, the mayors of northern Ontario's largest cities are rallying for continued immigration support to sustain their local economies and populations. Amidst looming cuts to federal immigration targets, local leaders from Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, and Sudbury are voicing their concerns and urging the government to recognize the unique needs of their communities.
The mayors are highlighting the crucial role that immigration has played in revitalizing their communities, particularly through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program. Introduced as a temporary initiative, the program has successfully attracted skilled workers to smaller towns and rural areas across the country, helping fill vital labor gaps and driving local growth.
For instance, Matthew Shoemaker, the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie says the RNIP has been an "enormous success" for his city. "Without economic immigrants, key jobs would disappear from our region," Shoemaker emphasizes. Over the past few years, more than 1,000 newcomers have helped reverse a 25-year trend of population decline, with Sault Ste. Marie's population will grow to approximately 78,500 people in 2024.
"We shouldn't be penalized for issues affecting other parts of Canada," Shoemaker states, advocating for policies that take into account the unique needs of northern communities. "Our community can contribute to Canada's growth, but we need continued immigration support to do so."
The success stories from communities like Sault Ste. Marie is echoed in Thunder Bay and Sudbury. Ken Boshcoff, Mayor of Thunder Bay, emphasizes that his city is brimming with job opportunities, particularly in the mining industry. Thunder Bay, with its expanding educational sector and regional importance, is in desperate need of skilled workers, particularly in fields like healthcare, engineering, and construction.
"We have plenty of room, we have the jobs, and we are building more housing," says Boshcoff. "We could use as many immigrants as the federal government will allow us."
In Sudbury, Paul Lefebvre, the mayor, highlights that 1,400 skilled immigrants have arrived through the pilot program, bringing their families and contributing to a population increase of 2,700 new residents. “The opportunities are endless,” Lefebvre says, noting the city's demand for workers in mining, healthcare, and education.
Local employers, like Natalie Parent, Human Resources Manager at Pioneer Construction in Sudbury, share similar sentiments. The company has seen firsthand the benefits of the program, particularly in addressing hard-to-fill positions like mechanics, engineers, and welders. "The rural and northern immigration program has been a game-changer for us," Parent explains.
While the federal government has promised to establish a permanent rural immigration program, the recent announcement to reduce immigration targets has left many local leaders concerned. The Canadian government initially aimed for a target of 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025 and 2026, but that number has now been lowered to 395,000 for 2025, with further reductions in the following years.
These cuts, which are attributed to pressures on housing and healthcare in large cities, have prompted the mayors of northern Ontario to urge the government not to overlook the unique needs of their communities. "One size does not fit all," Shoemaker points out. "Northern Ontario’s needs are different from those in southern Ontario. Our population is shrinking, and immigration is the key to reversing that trend."
Canada’s immigration system has long been a cornerstone of its economic success, and the mayors of northern Ontario are making a compelling case that this is no time to scale back. Immigrants not only bring the labor force needed to fill essential jobs but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of local economies by boosting the tax base and supporting local services.
From an immigration perspective, Canada’s commitment to attracting skilled workers through pathways like the RNIP program has been a success story, and it’s clear that northern communities are ready to do their part in welcoming newcomers who can make a meaningful impact on the economy.
As an immigration specialist, I believe that Canada’s immigration system is one of the most effective tools we have to address labor shortages, demographic shifts, and regional disparities. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is a prime example of how tailored immigration programs can help ensure that all regions of Canada thrive. While it’s important to address housing and healthcare challenges in urban centers, we must also recognize the untapped potential of rural and northern communities, which are eager to welcome immigrants and make Canada an even more diverse, dynamic, and prosperous country.
In my view, the federal government should take note of the successes in northern Ontario and continue to support immigration as a critical driver of growth for these communities. By doing so, Canada will not only meet its labor needs but also ensure a bright and sustainable future for all its regions.
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