New immigration program to train 800 skilled workers for in-demand careers
📍 TORONTO – January 17, 2025 – The Ontario government has unveiled the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program, a strategic initiative designed to address labour shortages and drive economic growth in rural and northern Ontario. The program will train and place 800 skilled workers in key industries across Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay—regions facing high demand for skilled labour.
REDI aims to attract and retain internationally trained workers in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, including construction, ensuring that local businesses can access the talent they need to grow.
Why REDI? Addressing Labour Shortages in Key Sectors
Ontario’s economy is rapidly expanding, yet many businesses in rural and northern regions struggle to find skilled workers. The REDI pilot, delivered through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), will provide 200 additional nominations per region, enabling local employers to hire top global talent in areas with pressing labour shortages.
🚀 Key Highlights of the REDI Pilot:
✔ 800 skilled workers will receive employment and training opportunities.
✔ Focus on high-demand sectors: healthcare, tech, and construction trades.
✔ Four pilot regions will receive 200 additional nominations each.
✔ Pathway to permanent residence for workers with job offers from local employers.
Pilot communities where REDI is being offered
The REDI Pilot operates under the existing Employer Job Offer streams of the OINP. The program specifically targets four regional communities that are facing labour shortages:
📍 Lanark County
📍 Leeds and Grenville
📍 Sarnia-Lambton
📍 City of Thunder Bay
Each community has been allocated 200 nomination spaces from the OINP’s Employer Job Offer streams, reserved for applicants with valid job offers in these regions.
Government Perspectives on REDI
🔹 David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development:
“Our government is equipping rural and northern communities with the tools they need to build for the future. With REDI, we’re providing a blueprint for targeted economic immigration that strengthens communities and drives economic prosperity.”
🔹 Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs:
“This initiative is a game-changer for small towns and rural Ontario. By ensuring businesses can attract and retain skilled workers, we’re creating long-term opportunities that will fuel local economic growth.”
📢 How Employers and Workers Can Apply
For Employers
Ontario-based businesses in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay looking to hire skilled workers can access 200 additional OINP nominations under the REDI pilot. Employers can apply through the OINP website to secure skilled talent.
For Skilled Workers
Internationally trained professionals with a job offer from an Ontario employer in one of the pilot regions are encouraged to apply for permanent residence through the OINP Employer Job Offer streams.
👉 More details and application processes are available at the OINP website.
Ontario’s Workforce Development: A Broader Strategy
Beyond the REDI pilot, Ontario is investing heavily in skills training:
✔ $1.4 billion allocated to the Skills Development Fund for workforce training.
✔ $250 million already committed to training rural and northern workers.
✔ 1 million+ local workers are being trained for in-demand careers across Ontario.
💡 The goal? Strengthening Ontario’s economy by ensuring both local and internationally trained workers can fill essential roles in growing industries.
What’s Next for Ontario’s Skilled Immigration?
With the launch of REDI, Ontario is setting a new precedent for targeted regional immigration, focusing on economic needs and long-term workforce sustainability. As the pilot progresses, experts anticipate further expansion to other regions facing similar labour shortages.
📢 For businesses and workers, the time to act is now! With limited spots available, early applications are strongly encouraged.
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