October 9, 2024 – Yesterday, the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) hosted a special event celebrating the incredible success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) in Thunder Bay over the past five years. This event marks a milestone in our community’s journey to address labour shortages and support regional growth through immigration.

Since its inception, the RNIP has had a positive impact on Thunder Bay and its surrounding areas, providing crucial support to employers and facilitating new beginnings for hundreds of individuals and families. With the dedicated support of our team at the CEDC, we have successfully onboarded over 500 eligible employers and issued more than 900 letters of recommendation. These letters have helped over 1,200 individuals choose Thunder Bay as their home, contributing to our region’s vibrant and diverse workforce.

Key Program Outcomes:

• Top Three Industries Supported:
  • Healthcare
  • Food Services
  • Retail

These sectors have faced significant labour shortages, making the RNIP essential in securing the talent needed to keep our local economy thriving.

• Survey Insights:
  • According to our candidate survey, the most common roles filled by RNIP candidates who are still with their original employers and residing in Thunder Bay include:
    • Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
    • Licensed Practical Nurses
    • Cooks
  • An employer survey revealed that 89% of participating employers used the program to retain valued employees, while 95% expressed their willingness to participate again. This clearly demonstrates the ongoing success and value of the RNIP in meeting local workforce needs.

“The RNIP has been instrumental in filling critical labour shortages and fostering community growth in Thunder Bay,” Jamie Taylor, CEO of Thunder Bay CEDC, stated. “The collaboration between local and regionals businesses, organizations, and our new residents has been extraordinary. We are proud to see so many employers and individuals succeed through this initiative, and we look forward to continuing this important work for the future of our community.”

Today’s celebration reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the RNIP’s success. From community organizations and employers to candidates and residents, every person has played a vital role in welcoming newcomers and supporting their integration into Thunder Bay’s thriving economy.