The federally funded Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots have launched with Sudbury’s support.
The city issued a media release to this effect last week, citing it as an innovative program “to address local workforce needs by helping employers in key sectors attract and retain skilled international talent.”
“We saw tremendous success through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program, which concluded in 2024, welcoming over 2,700 new residents to our community,” Mayor Paul Lefebvre said in the media release.
“Now, we’re proud to be one of only two communities in Canada selected to host both the RCIP and FCIP programs moving forward. These new initiatives will support local businesses in filling critical skilled roles and help us continue building a stronger, more inclusive Greater Sudbury.”
Consultations took place with more than 300 employers, workforce partners and Francophone leaders, as well as comprehensive industry survey and data analysis flagged five priority sectors for both the rural and Francophone programs. Priority areas for the rural program include:
- Natural and applied sciences
- Health
- Education, law and social, community and government services
- Trades and transport
- Natural resources and agriculture
Priority sectors for the Francophone program include:
- Business, finance and administration
- Health
- Education, law and social, community and government services
- Art, culture, recreation and sport
- Trades and transport
Only employers operating within these sectors, within the designated program boundaries, and hiring for priority occupations will be eligible to apply for program designation.
“Programs like the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots are vital to the long-term growth and sustainability of our city,” city CAO Shari Lichterman said in a media release. “These initiatives will help us attract the talent needed to support our key industries and employers, ensuring they have the workforce required to grow and thrive.”
So far this year, the city has received 525 candidate allocations for RCIP and 45 for FCIP. RCIP candidates will be selected through a points-based draw system, while FCIP recommendations will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programs are administered by the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, with support from city staff and Community Selection Committee members (local employers, post-secondary institutions and Francophone leaders).
For more on these programs, click here.
