Immigrant worker programs to be explained at Fort Frances meeting

Some assistance for Rainy River District businesses and organizations interested in bringing in workers from other countries.

The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is holding a session on immigration programs available and how they work.

Executive Director Angela Halvorsen-Smith says federal and provincial officials will be on hand.

“They’ll do presentations to the employers,” says Halvorsen-Smith.

“It is directed specifically aimed at employers as opposed to potential immigrant nominees. It is to give them the information to move forward.”

A declining population and labour force in the region has affected the ability of many businesses and organizations to find qualified personnel or enough people to fill vacant positions.

Some have already had success in attracting foreign workers through existing programs.

Thursday’s session will take place at the MNR building in Fort Frances, located behind Service Ontario, beginning at 1 p.m.

The session will also include presentations from two Francophone organizations on hiring people with Francophone abilities and that could benefit the region.

Pre-registration is welcome, but Halvorson-Smith says they will accept anyone who may be thinking about attending at the last minute.