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Several communities announce the list of designated employers and priority sectors under RCIP

As Canada continues to address labor shortages in its rural and remote regions, the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in 2025 signals a strategic shift toward community-led immigration solutions. Through RCIP, foreign nationals can obtain permanent residence by securing job offers from designated employers in participating communities and meeting a range of eligibility criteria. Several communities—including Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Claresholm, North Bay, Brandon, and North Okanagan-Shuswap—have now publicly announced their designated employers and priority sectors, offering a glimpse into how regional labour needs are being addressed and what future trends may emerge.

The RCIP is unique in its focus on employer-driven immigration. Unlike traditional federal immigration programs, RCIP places significant authority in the hands of local economic development organisations. These entities are responsible for designating employers and recommending foreign workers for permanent residency.

Each community can select five priority sectors based on regional labor needs. Only employers operating within these sectors—and hiring for approved occupations—can participate. This tailored approach allows communities to meet specific economic demands while helping newcomers integrate successfully.

Sault Ste. Marie, a city in Northern Ontario, has been allotted 300 RCIP spots for 2025. The designated employers range from healthcare providers like Sault Area Hospital and Extendicare Mapleview, to manufacturers such as Algoma Tubes Inc. and Northern Power Train. Hospitality and education also feature prominently, with Giovanni's Restaurant, Montanas, and Meadow Park Montessori School among those named.

Sault Ste. Marie has prioritised the following sectors:

• Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
• Health
• Manufacturing and Utilities
• Sales and Service
• Trades and Transport

Timmins is participating in both the RCIP and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), further expanding opportunities for foreign workers. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation has designated employers like Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Timmins and District Hospital, and EV Nickel Inc..

Both RCIP and FCIP in Timmins focus on sectors including:

• Mining and Natural Resources
• Healthcare
• Construction and Skilled Trades

Timmins stands out for recognizing the potential of international graduates who studied locally, offering exemptions from work experience requirements. This serves as a strong incentive for international students to settle and build careers in the region.

Thunder Bay’s Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has approved a comprehensive list of designated employers across multiple sectors. Companies like Kasper Bus Lines, Lakehead Roofing, and Scott Family Dental are included, alongside local businesses such as Wasabi Restaurant and Village Market.

Thunder Bay’s priority sectors include:

• Trades and Transport
• Health
• Sales and Service
• Manufacturing and Utilities
• Education and Social Services

The city's approach appears balanced, reflecting its need for healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, and service industry workers. With detailed requirements on job types and application processes, Thunder Bay provides one of the most structured and accessible RCIP pathways.

In southern Alberta, the town of Claresholm offers a unique model by capping its total RCIP slots at 30 for 2025. Allocations are distributed monthly to manage demand, with only five going to the sales and service sector for the entire year. Claresholm’s designated sectors include:

• Agriculture
• Health Care
• Law and Education
• Manufacturing and Utilities
• Sales and Services

Occupations such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, carpenters, and aircraft mechanics dominate the priority list. The town’s emphasis on health care and manufacturing indicates a strong commitment to long-term sustainability and economic diversification.

North Bay’s RCIP zone spans the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts and includes the Town of Latchford. The community has focused on sectors including:

• Business, Finance, and Administration
• Health
• Education and Social Services
• Sales and Service
• Trades and Transport

A comprehensive list of eligible occupations-from accounting technicians and HR professionals to carpenters and nurse aides-suggests that North Bay aims to build a well-rounded workforce. Like other communities, designated employers must apply through the local economic development organization to participate.

In British Columbia, the North Okanagan-Shuswap region has announced one of the most detailed RCIP frameworks to date. Minimum wage standards and recommendation caps per occupation have been introduced, offering a transparent and equitable process.

Sectors prioritized include:

• Health
• Education and Social Services
• Sales and Service
• Trades and Transport
• Manufacturing and Utilities

Occupations such as restaurant managers, welders, and early childhood educators are among those eligible. These targeted efforts reflect the community’s needs while ensuring that immigration supports local economic growth.

Brandon, Manitoba's second-largest city, has allocated 180 RCIP slots for 2025. Notably, 15% of these are reserved for healthcare professionals—a reflection of Canada’s growing need for skilled healthcare workers. Priority sectors include:

• Health
• Education
• Trades and Transport
• Natural and Applied Sciences
• Manufacturing

The inclusion of occupations like civil engineers, general practitioners, and plumbers underlines Brandon’s strategic emphasis on infrastructure and essential services.

As the RCIP unfolds, several key trends are emerging:

• From electricians to welders, trades remain a cornerstone of rural economies. These occupations are featured prominently across all RCIP lists.
• Nearly every participating community has prioritized healthcare, emphasizing the urgent need for professionals like nurses, personal support workers, and physicians.
• With employer designations tied to economic development organizations, there’s a clear emphasis on long-term settlement and integration of newcomers.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot represents a significant evolution in Canada's immigration policy. By empowering communities to select priority sectors and occupations, the RCIP aligns immigration with local labor needs and regional development goals. As more communities publish their employer lists and sectoral focuses, the pilot stands to shape not just the demographics but also the economic future of rural Canada. With its blend of flexibility, accountability, and community engagement, the RCIP could serve as a model for future immigration strategies across the nation.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at +1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.