The City of Sault Ste. Marie, in partnership with the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC), is inviting local employers to share their workforce needs as part of the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP).
Earlier this year, Sault Ste. Marie was selected as one of 14 communities across Canada to participate in the RCIP, a federal program that helps rural communities attract and retain skilled immigrants. Replacing the former Rural Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the RCIP offers a pathway to permanent residence for eligible foreign nationals who secure a job offer from a designated local employer.
“The RCIP is a vital tool to help us fill critical labour gaps and support our growing industries,” said Lackeisha Currie, Labour Development Coordinator, at the City of Sault Ste. Marie. “By gathering direct input from employers, we can ensure that local needs are aligned to deliver real benefits to businesses and newcomers.”
Broader demographic trends, including an aging population, youth out-migration, low birth rates, and historically low migration levels, underscore the need for skilled workers in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma. The RCIP addresses these challenges by attracting new skilled workers and their families, helping to strengthen the local workforce and support community growth.
“This initiative will give us timely, localized insights into the specific challenges facing our employers,” said Silvia Alves, Executive Director of the AWIC. “By working together, we will ensure the RCIP connects skilled newcomers with the jobs where they are most needed, strengthening both our workforce and our economy for Sault Ste. Marie.”
While priority sectors have already been identified, such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, sales and service, and trades and transport, this new initiative will go further by capturing detailed employer insights into hard-to-fill occupations within these sectors, as well as emerging needs over the next three years.
Employers are invited to participate by completing an online survey available through the City and AWIC’s website or through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCIPSSM
Employers interested in learning more about becoming a designated RCIP employer can contact labourforce@cityssm.on.ca.
About the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP): The RCIP is a federal program designed to help rural communities attract and retain skilled foreign workers. Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 spots under the RCIP for 2025.
About the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC): The Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation (AWIC) is a non-profit organization and one of Ontario’s 25 Workforce Planning Boards. Supported by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). AWIC provides labour market data to support workforce development across Algoma.