More details on a federal immigration pilot program locally have been announced.

MP Anthony Rota says the North Bay And District Chamber of Commerce is the lead agency involved in a new pilot project locally to attract immigrants to fill labour gaps and support economic growth.

They’ll be working with the City of North Bay, the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, the North Bay Local Immigration Partnership, and Yes Employment Services, among others, to administer the program.

It was announced on Friday that North Bay is one of 11 communities across Canada taking part in the program.

The local pilot covers an area south to Burk’s Falls and north to Temiskaming Shores and Kirkland Lake.

Communities will match job opportunities with qualified immigrants and deliver settlement services.

In return, immigrants are given a pathway to permanent residency.

Efforts to identify and recruit candidates are expected to begin as early as this fall.

 

(file photo)