By Erin Knutson

The City of Fernie is one of seven communities from the East Kootenay (amongst Cranbrook, Creston, Kimberley, Golden, Columbia Valley (including Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Canal Flats), and Revelstoke to be invited to contribute to a joint application this month to support a bid on behalf of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce (FCOC) to participate in a five-year pilot program to accelerate immigration for foreign workers in an attempt to help stabilize and reinforce the local workforce.

According to FCOC Executive Director Wendy McDougall, who presented at the Committee-of-the-Whole portion of the July 9 Fernie council meeting, the five-year Rural Community Immigration Program (RCIP) will expedite the path to permanent residency for those wishing to stay long-term in Canada and within a specific community.

“RCIP is an opportunity to help local businesses find the workers they need and keep individuals who are already in the community,” said McDougall in her report to the council and staff.

Concerns over a tight submission deadline (July 16) and a lack of funding from the federal government raised concerns from staff and council about the length of commitment to the funding stream and how much, if any, would be sanctioned or was available in the budget for the FCOC’s $30,000 ask.

Council debated whether to commit a financial sum or provide a letter of support with a projected amount of funds. These were two options outlined in McDougall’s request for support.

According to McDougall, who outlined the benefits to West Kootenay through a similar program, private funders and local businesses from the region would also be asked to contribute financially.

McDougall’s results from West Kootenay:

• 650 jobs were filled over four years, with 31% in food and beverage, 12% in healthcare, and nine per cent in retail.
• 1,196 individuals received community recommendations for permanent residency (650 skilled workers and 546 spouses/dependents).
• 256 unique employers utilized the pilot.
• 90% of participants live in the region after receiving permanent residency.
• 57% of applicants were Selkirk College graduates.
• Only nine per cent of applicants were located overseas, underscoring that this program helps retain residents.

Mayor Nic Milligan touted the community’s strategic objectives, including diversity and employee support, as part of the roster. “I move that the council support a resolution to advance this item to the public meeting.”

The request was moved to item 7.1 on the regular council agenda following a unanimous vote.  Subsequently, an all-in-favour vote was held on behalf of the council to commit to a letter of support for $10,000 for five years should the application succeed.

“It’s not ideally what you were looking for, but that is the option of choice,” Milligan said to McDougall.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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