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Pictou County Selected for New Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Pictou County Partnership to Lead Community-Driven Workforce and Immigration Initiative
January 30, 2025, New Glasgow, NS — Pictou County has been selected to participate in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) new Rural Community Immigration Pilot. The pilot has been developed for economic development organizations to support rural workforce growth and will be delivered by the Pictou County Partnership. This is a significant achievement that places us among 18 communities across Canada chosen to deliver this initiative – the only community in Atlantic Canada.
“This is a significant opportunity for Pictou County,” said Wade Tibbo, CEO of the Pictou County Partnership. “This pilot will allow us to help local employers fill critical roles and provide newcomers with a permanent pathway to stay, thrive, and contribute to the success of our community.”
The Pictou County Partnership currently supports employers with strategic and sustainable approaches to hiring international talent to fill labour shortages. The new Rural Community Immigration Pilot will provide local employers with hard to fill job vacancies critical for supporting local growth with an additional attraction and retention program. Like all economic immigration programs, employers will need to demonstrate they have been unable to fill the jobs locally first.
Dawn Matheson of Balodis Inc., a family-owned construction and Trucking business in Westville, has been working with the Partnership over the last year to leverage the Nova Scotia Nominee Program to help hire international talent because of the current labour market shortage. “Right now, it’s nearly impossible to find qualified workers,” she explains.
Employer Engagement Opportunities
A key focus of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot is empowering employers to address labour needs while supporting newcomer success. Through this initiative, the Partnership will collaborate with businesses to identify workforce gaps, provide training and resources to create inclusive workplaces, and offer ongoing support.
Becky Cowen, the Director of Immigration and Community Integration at the Pictou County Partnership, looks forward to engaging with local employers as priority sectors and high-demand job roles that will be included in the new pilot are confirmed.
A Pathway to Growth for Newcomers and the Community
“Pictou County has a lot to offer, and this initiative goes beyond addressing labour shortages,” said Cowen. “It’s about creating opportunities for business while fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring Pictou County remains a community where people want to live, work, and build their futures.”
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Pictou County
IRCC Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of rural immigration, stating, “Rural and Francophone communities are vital to Canada’s growth and cultural diversity, and we value the unique contributions that newcomers make in these places. By welcoming skilled immigrants to these areas, we are addressing labour shortages and economic needs while promoting the benefits of living in a smaller town or city. Our commitment to supporting these regions reflects our belief that each one matters. That is why we will make the RNIP a permanent program, and why we are introducing these two new pilots. We’ll continue to work closely with these communities as we work to connect businesses with the skilled workers they need to thrive.”
The Pictou County Partnership invites employers and community members to get involved in this exciting initiative. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Pictou County.
For more information about the Rural Community Immigration Pilot or to learn how your business can participate, contact: Becky Cowen, Director of Immigration & Community Integration at becky.cowen@pictoucountypartnership.com
In-person announcement with the Honourable Sean Fraser, MP for Central Nova.
Where: Twin Rivers Home Builders, 2703 Granton Abercrombie Road, Granton, NS
When: Tuesday, February 4th at 10 am.
-30-
Media Contact:
Heidi Sinclair
782-440-3480
heidi.sinclair@pictoucountypartnership.com
If you are an employer or potential candidate who is interested in finding out more about this program, please click here.