Canada funds program to address labour shortages in the Southern Interior of B.C.
by CM staff
This initiative will help smaller communities find skilled workers in sectors such as health care, trades, childcare and hospitality
Government of Canada funds program to address labour shortages and attract newcomers in the Southern Interior of B.C. (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)
VERNON — Canada, announced $485,410 in PacifiCan funding for Community Futures North Okanagan to expand the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot in the Southern Interior of B.C.
PacifiCan funding will help Community Futures North Okanagan continue the Pilot in the North Okanagan and West Kootenays, while also expanding to include businesses in the Shuswap region. This investment will support training, marketing, and outreach activities to match local businesses with skilled foreign workers.
Funding will also help newcomers access settlement services and mentoring opportunities in their new communities.
This announcement builds on the recent opening of PacifiCan offices in Kelowna and Cranbrook. With new officers living and providing service locally, PacifiCan is more accessible to all communities in the region.
“I have traveled to communities across B.C., and local businesses have expressed to me the importance of attracting the best and brightest talent,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. “That is why the Government of Canada is spreading the economic benefits of immigration to communities outside of urban centres through the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. Matching B.C. businesses with skilled newcomers is critical to the vitality of our province and to keeping our economy sustainable and competitive.”
