Sidhant Bhardwaj (left), Macnichol Espenida, Iris Paviera, Charmaine Cartagena, Nelson Inocencio and Krista Frasz of Predator Ridge. Frasz has hired 11 skilled workers through RNIP. (Photo credit: Community Futures North Okanagan)

By Pete McIntyre

'acceptance and unity'

‘Immigrants are part of the solution’: Event celebrates newcomers to area

Nov 1, 2023 | 2:00 PM

Close to 150 people recently gathered at the Coldstream Community Hall to celebrate families of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, and the impact they have on the community.

The initiative, which is funded by the federal and provincial governments, comes to an end in 2024.

“Tonight is a celebration of diversity and the richness that immigrants bring to our community. It is also a celebration of the courage it takes to embark on a journey to a new place,” Leigha Horsfield, executive director of Community Futures North Okanagan, said.

“We value acceptance and unity and believe that our differences make us stronger. By embracing people from all parts of the world, our community benefits.”

Leigha Horsfield, executive director of Community Futures North Okanagan, speaks at the RNIP celebration at Coldstream Community Hall. (photo credit: CFNO)

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The RNIP program helps rural communities attract skilled immigrants by matching job seekers with employers and creating a path to permanent residency. Since 2020, 642 vacant jobs have been filled in the North Okanagan and Shuswap by RNIP newcomers. Along with primary candidates’ family members, 1,279 newcomers now call the North Okanagan and Shuswap home.

Standing in front of the microphone with tears welling in her eyes, Krista Frasz said she has seen first-hand the impact the program has on local businesses and the families welcomed through the program. The director of HR at Predator Ridge, Frasz has hired 11 skilled workers from around the world through the program. She’s helped newcomers search for apartments and shared in the excitement as family members reunite in their new home.

“For me, what the RNIP means is the individuals attached to it, the connections we’ve made and the chance to be a part of this journey,” Frasz said. “I’m incredibly grateful. It’s been a wonderful experience. Our lives will forever be different because of it.”

From its beginning in 2020, the RNIP program sought to welcome newcomers to rural communities and encourage retention.

Horsfield said a survey conducted this summer showed nearly 90 per cent of candidates have stayed in the region after receiving permanent residency.

Harwinder Sandhu, Vernon-Monashee MLA, shared her own experience of moving to small-town B.C. in the middle of winter 25 years ago, and the powerful impact of immigration on the community.

“Immigrants are part of the solution,” Sandhu remarked. “Be proud of who you are. You help make Canada’s fabric beautiful.”

For Mandeep Kaur, there’s no place she’d rather call home. A worker at Namaste Indian Restaurant in Vernon, Kaur recently received permanent residency. Her daughters Parneet and Tavleen say they’re making friends and enjoying school in Canada.