Lanark County is hoping to continue its workforce program which sees immigrants come to Lanark County through provincial support.
The Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) initiative helps rural and regional communities connect local employers with skilled international talent through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.
REDI helps employers address workforce shortages while creating pathways to permanent residency for workers who already have direct job offers from local employers. The program does not support temporary foreign workers or overseas recruitment.
They’re seeking to continue the program in 2026, as Program Coordinator at the Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services Adam Amza explains, the crisis continues.
CAO Kurt Greaves said 2025 was a great success.
Last year several local organizations received approved nominations, including six long-term care or retirement homes, three skilled trades and construction companies, two advanced manufacturing firms, as well as municipalities and veterinary practices.
The county submitted an expression of interest in May for the 2026–27 REDI intake following consultations with lower-tier municipalities, local hospitals, businesses and workforce development partners.
If approved for 2026, the county would receive dedicated nomination spaces through the provincial program, along with ministry-led training and support for local employers.
