Rural Renewal Program to help fill gaps in local workforce, attract newcomers

By ANNA SMITH on May 3, 2024.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

A program launched by the City of Medicine Hat in collaboration with neighbours helps streamline integration into the workforce for immigrants to energize the region’s future.

Applications began Monday and filled up within just a few hours, according to the Medicine Hat Economic Development Newsletter.

The City of Medicine Hat, alongside Cypress County, the Town of Redcliff and the Town of Bow Island, earned approval as a community for the Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program earlier this year.

The program encourages businesses to seek out “qualified and financially secure immigrants with a genuine desire to settle permanently in Medicine Hat or the surrounding region,” said Medicine Hat Economic Development.

The program ensures that current residents continue to receive priority in filling gaps, but does help newcomers streamline the process when those positions remain unfilled after a set timeframe.

These newcomers receive endorsement letters from our municipal and provincial governments, aiding in the immigration process. It is the hope that this also incentivizes moving into smaller centres over established immigration hubs like Calgary, helping to “forge pathways to economic prosperity and a thriving community,” said Medicine Hat Economic Development.

Businesses can learn more about the Rural Renewal program at saimmigration.ca.

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