Timmins Leads in Addressing Rural Labour Shortages with RCIP and FCIP
Timmins, a city in Northern Ontario, has become the first community to unveil its priority sectors and occupations for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These pathways aim to address labor shortages in rural and Francophone communities across Canada by granting permanent residency to skilled foreign workers.
Timmins' priority sectors for both programs include Health, Education, Law and Social, Community and Government Services, Trades and Transport, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Business, Finance and Administration. Employers operating in at least one of these sectors will be eligible to participate in Timmins' regional RCIP and FCIP.
The RCIP is designed for rural communities outside Quebec, while the FCIP focuses on Francophone communities. Both pilots require candidates to have a job offer from a designated employer. Once selected, these skilled workers will receive permanent residency and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permits.
Newly listed communities participating in these pilots include the West Kootenay region in British Columbia and Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan for the RCIP. The Superior East region in Ontario, comprising communities like Chapleau, Dubreuilville, Wawa, White River, Hornepayne, and Manitouwadge, is involved in the FCIP. Timmins is one of the few communities participating in both pilots.
Timmins' proactive approach in specifying priority sectors and occupations sets a precedent for other communities. By doing so, it aims to attract skilled foreign workers to fill critical labor gaps, contributing to the city's economic growth and sustainability. The RCIP and FCIP, with their employer-focused nature, offer a promising pathway for both communities and skilled workers alike.
