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Northern Policy Institute to provide support in recruitment and retention of immigrants

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The Northern Policy Institute is undertaking two projects to support northern Ontario’s efforts to attract immigrants.

Fednor is supporting the Northern Policy Institute on two projects, providing over $1.3 million.

More than $950,000 will be used on gathering data and analysis to assist communities involved in programs to attract immigrants.

NPI will also provide advisory services to communities participating in immigration pilot programs such as the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP), Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), and Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

A mobile app will be developed to assist newcomers in integrating into the region.

NPI also plans maintain population growth portals.

The other project will see NPI use another $345,000 to identify initiatives that help retain newcomers in the north.

NPI intends to conduct interviews and surveys of participants in the RNIP program to better understand what drives successful retention.

“Communities across northern Ontario are laying the groundwork for a strong and prosperous future,” states Patty Hadju, the Minister responsible for FedNor, in a release.

“In a rapidly changing world, we are focused on what we can control. By investing in people, supporting local businesses, and attracting skilled talent, we’re helping ensure the region remains vibrant, competitive, and full of opportunity for generations to come.”

The two projects build on previous initiatives that have monitored the implementation of the RNIP program and its effectiveness as a recruitment tool.

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Northwestern Ontario leaders encouraged to head to Magnetic North

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An independent think tank is calling on leaders and decision-makers from Northwestern Ontario to attend the Magnetic North conference in Sudbury.

“As a part of the conversation to see what the solutions are, I think it’s really important to get people from Kenora travelling to Sudbury to take part,” says Paula Haapanen, vice-president of the Northern Policy Institute.

Taking place from December 3 to 5, Magnetic North brings together more than 120 leaders from municipalities, Indigenous governments, post-secondary institutions and other organizations to engage in presentations, panel discussions and other events to identify actions that can help address social and economic issues facing Northern Ontario communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Retention is the New Reality’ and will feature talks and discussion involving long-term population growth and prosperity.

“Attraction brings people north, settlement helps them start their lives,” says Haapanen. “But retention is what ensures they, and their families, grow and prosper along with their new neighbours and communities.”

Haapanen is encouraging representatives from Northwestern Ontario to attend, noting that hearing all perspectives of the province’s northern regions is important.

“Some people might be doing things in other communities that are working,” says Haapanen. “And we are looking to find best practices or maybe looking to partner on some projects or looking to share personal experiences.”

Registration is open until November 17 and details can be found at www.northernpolicy.ca/magnetic-north-2025.

Northern Policy Institute, which performs research, analyzes data, and promotes solutions, using evidence-based decisions that will help advance growth in Northern Ontario is one of the organizers of Magnetic North 2025.

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COVID-19 Could Cost Schools: Report

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The Northern Policy Institute says the region could lose millions of dollars if COVID-19 leads to fewer international students coming to Northern Ontario.

In a new report, NPI claims international student enrolment may drop for the 2020-2021 school year. It estimates that with 20% fewer international students, Thunder Bay would lose over $30-million. That could rise to $80-million if post-secondary schools get only half as many students as expected.

Confederation College says it appreciates the report but can’t comment on the findings because it was not consulted.

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Northern Policy Institute Hoping To Work With Communities

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The Northern Policy Institute is trying to spread the word on how to grow the economy of Northwestern Ontario.

The organization has published its demographic and labour market trends report for the Kenora, Rainy River and Thunder Bay districts.

Senior Data Analyst Alex Ross says “We just want to make sure that all of our research is in the hands of all the communities that NPI covers. Our job is to produce the research and produce the insight.”

Ross says after that the Institute can work with communities on how to improve through their findings and perhaps further research.

To learn more, listen to Northwest Monitor Sunday morning after the 9:00 News on CKDR.

You can also hear it here by visit the Audio link below.