Immigration pilot project attracts 14 workers

The Northern Immigration Pilot Project announced last February has resulted in 14 immigrants finding jobs in the Greater Vernon area. Vernon was one of 11 communities in Canada selected for the program to attract and retain additional workers.

The 14 recommendations came from 15,000 candidate profiles and 40 approved employers signed up with 30 job postings in health care, food services, finance and construction. There are 15 dependents, meaning a total of 29 people, many of whom already live in the Vernon area and will have a change of status.

There was some backlash on social media when the pilot was initially launched, from people questioning how many immigrants would settle in the community, and why the money wasn’t focused on job creation for those already living here.

“So this isn’t immigrants taking over our community as some people have suggested, with a total of 29 people,” Vernon City Coun. Dalvir Nahal said.

“If we can target skilled workers who can earn a living wage, and if they have job security and a welcoming community, these people and their families are more likely to stay and continue contributing to our region,” Ward Mercer, the program’s regional coordinator, said.

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Mercer added with an aging population, only 47 per cent of Vernon residents are active in the workforce, and that number will continue to shrink as baby boomers retire.

The three-year pilot being operated locally by Community Futures is projected to bring in a maximum of 300 applicants over the duration of the program. Spouses and children may also be brought in if their applications are successful.

The program is supported by the City of Vernon, Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.