The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is pleased to announce that the region has been selected to participate in the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative, a provincial program designed to help communities address labour shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers and supporting pathways to permanent residency.
Led by Confederation College, the successful application brought together municipalities, economic development organizations, workforce development partners, employers, Indigenous communities, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and community partners from across the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.
On October 16, regional partners were notified that the application had been successful. The region was selected as one of only five successful applicants across Ontario, securing a place in a highly competitive initiative with a limited number of opportunities available to communities. The selection recognizes the strength of the regional partnership and a shared commitment to addressing workforce challenges through innovative economic development strategies.
“Addressing workforce needs in Northwestern Ontario takes strong regional partnerships,” said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. “We’re proud to have worked alongside the City of Kenora and partners across the Kenora and Rainy River districts on this application. Through REDI, we can help employers connect with skilled workers while creating opportunities for newcomers to build careers and make their homes in our communities.”
The REDI initiative is a partnership between the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and participating communities across Ontario. The initiative aims to attract and retain skilled workers in regional communities by leveraging the OINP to address critical workforce needs that cannot be met through the local labour market.
Participation in REDI aligns with the Municipality's ongoing efforts to support workforce development across multiple sectors while helping employers address ongoing recruitment challenges. The initiative recognizes the important role immigration can play in supporting economic growth, business expansion, and long-term community prosperity.
“For communities like Sioux Lookout, immigration is not only about attracting new people, it is also about retaining the people who are already here. Local employers have employees they value who are living, working and contributing to our community but are facing challenges securing permanent residency” shares Mayor Lawrance. “We hope these new options will help employers retain those workers and give more people who have chosen Sioux Lookout the opportunity to stay, build their futures here and become long-term members of our community.”
As part of the initiative, employers are invited to attend an upcoming information session to learn more about immigration pathways and programs that can support workforce recruitment and retention efforts.
Immigration Pathways for Employers: Understanding Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) and Federal Programs
Date: November 4, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This session will provide regional employers with an overview of temporary and permanent immigration pathways and programs that support hiring skilled foreign workers, with a focus on the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Presentations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the OINP will highlight relevant programs and eligibility requirements and encourage participants to liaise with IRCC’s Dedicated Services Channel and OINP’s dedicated Business services for employers.
Interested employers are encouraged to register and attend to learn how immigration programs can support workforce recruitment and retention efforts.
Register now for this in-person event or contact John Okonmah for more information.
For more information on this pilot, please contact:
Jen Esposito, Manager of Community, Economic & Strategic Initiatives
807-737-2700 ext. 9005 or [email protected]