A new immigration program helping local communities bring in skilled immigrants is coming to Niagara.

In select locations, local governments and stakeholders will collaborate to encourage immigrants to stay in their community. Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce’s director of policy and government relations, Hugo Chesshire, hopes decision-makers consider market needs.

Newcomers usually stay in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver. This initiative will help smaller communities grow.

Slower growth rates mean that small communities can use immigration to help revitalize their economies. According to a mandate letter released in the new year, there will be 5,000 new spaces in the program. Since pilot studies are still ongoing, it isn’t likely to be completed anytime soon, but Chesshire approves of the idea. Speaking to the Niagara Falls Review, he said the Chamber is happy the government is listening to the needs of smaller communities.

Source: niagarafallsreview.ca, January 17th, 2020