OTTAWA, May 21,
2024 /CNW/ - Rural and Francophone minority
communities are key to both Canada's long-term growth and our linguistic
vitality. However, these communities face unique economic and
demographic challenges. That is why the Government of Canada is launching two new pilots this
fall to attract the skilled workers they need to grow their
economies and communities.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration,
Refugees and Citizenship, launched the community application
process for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot. Interested economic
development organizations across Canada are invited to apply for one or both of
the pilots. These organizations will submit an application on
behalf of their communities, and must demonstrate their eligibility
and show how immigration will strengthen their local economies.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will select
up to 15 communities to participate in the pilots based on
their economic needs, the availability of services and programs to
assist newcomers, and the capacity of their economic development
organizations to partner with IRCC. IRCC will announce the selected
participants in the coming months and will begin their onboarding
and training this fall.
All interested organizations must apply using IRCC's
questionnaire by July 2, 2024.
Quote
"Promoting growth and vitality in rural and Francophone minority
communities is crucial to our national identity, and we recognize
the unique economic, linguistic and cultural contributions that
newcomers bring to these areas. That is why we are introducing
these new pilots and inviting rural and Francophone minority
communities outside Quebec to
apply. I look forward to working together to address the diverse
needs of these communities across Canada."
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship
Quick Facts
- Together, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the
Francophone Community Immigration Pilot will allow IRCC to process
up to 5,500 permanent resident applications per year.
- The inclusion of new Francophone communities in regional
economic immigration programs is a core measure of IRCC's Policy on
Francophone Immigration.
- On October 31, 2023, IRCC
released An Immigration System for Canada's Future—a report that lays out a
pathway for strengthening our immigration system to better meet the
needs of our country and of newcomers. As part of the work to
implement the actions identified in the report, IRCC continues to
explore opportunities to enhance regional immigration, including
through the Rural Community Immigration Pilot.
Associated Links
- Apply to participate in the new pilots
- Learn more about the community application process
- Canada announces new
immigration pilots
- Policy on Francophone Immigration
- Immigration Matters
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- twitter.com/CitImmCanada
- instagram.com/CitImmCanada
SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada