Local companies are looking at international recruitment to stay afloat.
The Northern Ontario Francophone Immigration Support Network and College Boreal have teamed up to talk to Timmins employers in the mining, early childhood education and school board areas about the benefits of international workers. According to the Far Northeast Training Board, if all the workers eligible for retirement by 2031 do so, it will leave a shortage of about 36,000 workers in the region.
Project Manager with the Francophone Immigration Support Network Christian Howard says bringing in more french speaking workers could create new jobs and increase the region’s economy.
Manager oh Health, Safety and Environment at The Reliable Group Peter Harkins says there is a depletion of young people coming in so they have to look at these kinds of options.Â
Mayor Steve Black says anytime there is an opportunity to look at promoting immigration and retention in the community, it’s a good thing.