Immigration program aim helps Sault employers find workers
Sault Ste. Marie is helping to settle hundreds of immigrants through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program.
Under the program, the city makes recommendations for permanent residence based on a variety of factors. The program also aims to assist employers experiencing labour shortages.
So far, hundreds of newcomers have secured employment through the program. Last year, the city issued 213 recommendation letters, far exceeding its goal of 125.
Successful candidates secured full-time jobs with 137 Sault-based employers, with top positions including managerial or senior executive positions.
This comes as the region continues to experience significant labour shortages, with a large number of vacancies at various employers.
“In the month of December, it was over a thousand,” said Lackeisha Sogah, the city’s Rural Northern Immigration Pilot coordinator.
“And really good paying jobs at times. And so we’re consistently looking within the city as well as outside in the GTA, for more talent. So, yes, there’s a lot of jobs that need to be filled.”
The city expects similar immigration numbers this year along with more jobs to fill.
“I know that we’re doing really well, and we’re looking for opportunities to continue to market those roles and get them filled, whether they’re in-country, the person’s in country or outside of country,” Sogah said.
Meantime, the Northern Policy Institute is releasing the results of a survey asking employers across the north about their hiring practices with regard to immigrants.
“Seventy-nine per cent of employers in the big five communities in northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, North Bay and Timmins, they’ve used at least one or more immigration streams to recruit foreign workers,” said Mercedes Labelle of the Institute.
“And at least 48 per cent of employers indicated newcomers have already become an increasingly important source of new hires or will be in the near future.”
The institute said there is room for improvement as employers surveyed experienced challenges navigating the immigration process. They also experienced difficulties with lack of good communication skills, as well problem-solving and customer service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.