“Why Should I Move to the Countryside?” Exploring New Attempts for Fostering Inclusion in Rural Communities.

In 2019, the Canadian government deployed the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP). The program provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled immigrant workers. It aims to address key challenges associated with labour market shortages that are a result of increasing retirement populations, declining birthrates, and the “exodus” of youth to urban cities (Bousmah and Grenier 2022). Unlike other programs, the RNIP aims to attract newcomers through a “community economic development-driven model” where local employers and community partners aid newcomers in securing suitable employment and providing services and mentorships to encourage inclusion and long-term settlement (IRCC 2022a). Although pathways to permanent residency provided through pilot programs can be attractive, their effectiveness in retaining skilled workers within underpopulated rural regions remains understudied. Using content analysis, this paper examines the implementation of the RNIP in Ontario (specifically North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timmins). Using federal and region-specific websites and community reports, we employ a case study approach to compare strategies and community initiatives relative to the needs of each region. We analyze how these regions are implementing this “community economic development-driven model” and question whether these measures are successful in creating feelings of belonging and inclusion among immigrants – factors we argue are essential for longterm settlement. Without addressing reasons for why long-term settlement may be unattractive and difficult for locals within these communities, newcomers that aim to settle in these regions may experience challenges that remain unrecognized. Overall, we consider whether community membership and long-term settlement can be adequately addressed through the implementation of such pilot programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]