March 1 deadline: Apply to be a host community for an immigration pilot program

The Government of Canada is seeking applications from small communities interested in advancing economic development through immigration. Many of AUMA’s members have spoken to the value of having newcomers settle in their community to opening a new business or filling a labour shortage. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is designed to further encourage newcomer settlement in small communities through the focus of economic development. Small and rural communities are encouraged to apply to partner with the Government of Canada to receive tools to attract and retain skilled immigrant entrepreneurs and workers.

Interested communities must work with a local economic development organization to submit an application. The application deadline is March 1, 2019. For details on eligibility and the process to apply, visit the Government of Canada’s website.

Communities that are interested in advancing growth through immigration may also want to check out AUMA’s Guide to Immigration Action Planning in Alberta. The guide is one of many tools offered through AUMA’s Welcoming and Inclusive Communities initiative. For more information about community inclusion, please wic [at] auma.ca (contact us).