The objective of the pilot program
As mentioned earlier, the main goal is to draw skilled immigrants to small and rural communities to the area to fill the job gaps in the province as well as help diversify the advantages of economic immigration across the divide. The data collected from the final report of the pilot phase will also inform future regionalization plans related to the main program.
Participation
Are you one of the applicants? If yes, it’s important you start thinking about the idea of relocating or working with the partnering communities. However, note that applications under the pilot phase are not yet open. So, check the OINP site regularly for specific information about applications and intake in Jan 2020.
Partnering communities
The communities selected to participate in the pilot program are:
- City of Cornwall
- Cities of Quinte West and Belleville
- Chatham-Kent
There is more data about the communities on their sites.
How they were selected
The three communities were selected based on various factors, but the main ones were:
- Interest from stakeholders
- Representation of rural and small-town diversity
- Ability to welcome and help foreigners settle
- Particularly skilled labour shortages
Similarly, ONIP is collaborating with partners in every community to implement the pilot phase.
The partners include:
- Businesses
- Municipal governments
- Settlement community organizations
- Colleges and universities
