The Altona/Rhineland region has been chosen to participate in a second federal pilot program aimed at connecting businesses with skilled newcomers, helping to address ongoing labour shortages.
Following the successful five-year Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, which concluded in August after facilitating over 140 successful job placements, the region will now take part in the new Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This three-year initiative provides a pathway to permanent residence for newcomers filling key job vacancies and looking to settle long-term in smaller communities.
The RCIP is one of two federal pilot programs announced in March 2024 as an interim measure while the government works to make RNIP a permanent program. The second initiative, the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), focuses on bolstering immigration in French-speaking communities.
“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,” said Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller. “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 to connect businesses with the skilled workers they need to thrive.”
In addition to Altona/Rhineland, the Manitoba communities of Steinbach and Brandon have also been selected for the RCIP. Meanwhile, St. Pierre-Jolys will participate in the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP).
Local officials are excited about the opportunities this new program presents.
Municipality of Rhineland Reeve Don Wiebe expressed his enthusiasm, noting the effectiveness of the previous program.
“The previous pilot project was very successful. It was employer-driven. Businesses were looking for particular areas of expertise, and that wasn’t available. This really fills those gaps and allows that economic activity to move forward. It’s encouraging that the program demonstrated success, and now we’re looking forward to continuing with that.”
Altona Mayor Harv Schroeder shared similar excitement.
“The federal government put out applications for this new program. The last one ended last spring, so we applied for the new program, and we’re very excited to partner with the federal government on this again. The last program was very successful in the area, so at this point, we’re thrilled that we got accepted.”
Schroeder highlighted the broader impact on the community, emphasizing how the program supports businesses and contributes to population growth.
“Not only are we filling jobs and supporting businesses, but our population grows as well. When they move here, their whole family comes too, and that brings the numbers up. Last year, about 300 new people came to the area, which is good growth. It gives employers and businesses the opportunity to find workers with specific skill sets. It’s been a win-win for everybody.”
Stephanie Harris, economic development officer for the Town of Altona and a member of the program’s advisory council, emphasized the significance of this new initiative.
“We are thrilled to have been selected once again to partner with the federal government on an immigration pilot program and build off the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program. Connecting businesses and employers with skilled newcomers not only helps address immediate labour needs but also contributes to long-term growth and sustainability.”
Harris also provided insight into the next steps for the program’s implementation.
“We have begun training with the IRCC and will provide details and timelines on when employers and prospective permanent residence candidates can expect to have a chance to apply. I want to encourage those interested to visit the IRCC’s website for updates.”
