Finding skilled workers in Northern Ontario has been a growing challenge. To address this, the Canadian government is investing $1.125 million through FedNor to support a new immigration initiative in North Bay and surrounding communities. This funding will help attract and retain foreign workers in rural areas facing labor shortages.
For immigrants, this presents a unique opportunity to secure employment and permanent residency in Canada while contributing to local economies. Those looking for jobs in Northern Ontario for immigrants or exploring rural immigration programs in Canada now have more options to establish themselves in smaller communities.
$1.125 million investment to support employer needs in Northern Ontario.
Rural-focused immigration program to help foreign workers settle in smaller communities.
New pathways to permanent residency for skilled immigrants.
Many rural communities in Canada face labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. In Ontario’s construction sector alone, over 100,000 new workers will be needed by 2030 to replace retirees and meet growing demand, according to BuildForce Canada. Meanwhile, industries like manufacturing and healthcare are struggling to fill critical roles. Businesses across Northern Ontario are feeling the impact, with positions staying vacant for months.
For foreign workers seeking a work permit pathway for Canada, these shortages create a strong demand for skilled professionals, increasing opportunities for those willing to settle outside major cities.
This program funded by FedNor aims to bridge the gap by bringing in foreign workers ready to contribute.
This initiative makes it easier for skilled workers to move to Canada and establish permanent roots. Through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), immigrants can secure jobs with local employers and gain permanent residency in a region with lower living costs and strong community support.
For those considering other immigration pathways, Express Entry remains a competitive option for skilled workers, especially in sectors like construction. Learn more about Canada Express Entry 2025: Opportunities for Immigrants & Construction.
Faster permanent residency pathways for workers in key industries.
Access to smaller, welcoming communities with affordable housing. Housing costs in smaller towns are often 30–50% lower than in major cities.
Employment support from the North Bay Chamber of Commerce and local businesses.
With over 840 businesses and 1,280 job opportunities targeted in North Bay alone, this initiative opens the door for qualified immigrants seeking a fresh start in Canada.
Employers in North Bay and surrounding areas identify labor shortages.
Skilled foreign workers are recruited to fill these gaps.
Participants can apply for permanent residency under the RNIP, making it easier to stay in Canada.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) already demonstrated success in attracting skilled workers to rural areas. The previous version of the program, which ended in August 2024, had an 87% retention rate, proving that immigrants who move to these communities tend to stay and build their lives there.
The new $1.125 million investment aims to expand on that success, helping more employers connect with foreign talent. By strengthening local workforce pipelines, this initiative ensures that rural businesses can sustain growth while offering skilled immigrants stable employment and long-term settlement opportunities.
This investment signals a shift in Canada’s immigration focus—moving beyond major cities and encouraging settlement in rural and northern regions. If successful, similar funding may expand to other communities facing labor shortages.
In October 2024, the Canadian government announced a reduction in immigration targets, lowering the number of new permanent residents from 485,000 in 2024 to 365,000 by 2027. This decision was driven by concerns over housing affordability and strained social services, prompting a reevaluation of immigration strategies. However, industry groups worry that such cuts could exacerbate labor shortages, particularly in healthcare and construction.
By redirecting focus to rural and northern regions through targeted investments like the $1.125 million allocated to Northern Ontario, the government aims to balance these concerns. This approach not only alleviates pressure on urban centers but also addresses specific labor needs in underpopulated areas, ensuring that critical industries continue to thrive. If successful, this strategy could serve as a model for other communities, promoting a more equitable distribution of population and economic opportunities across the country.
For skilled workers looking for opportunities in Canada, this program offers a direct path to employment and permanent residency. Those interested in rural immigration programs in Canada or exploring work permit pathways for foreign workers in Canada should consider this initiative.
Not sure what opportunities are available to you? Take a free assessment with Aïa to identify the best immigration options for working in Canada.