Designated Employers Announced in Peace Liard, North Okanagan–Shuswap, and Pictou County for Rural PR
Three Canadian regions — Peace Liard and North Okanagan–Shuswap in British Columbia, along with Pictou County in Nova Scotia — have officially released their lists of designated employers under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This update expands opportunities for skilled foreign workers to secure job offers and pursue permanent residency (PR) through the rural immigration pathway.
What is the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)?
The RCIP is an employer-driven immigration initiative designed to attract and retain skilled foreign workers in smaller Canadian communities. To qualify, candidates must:
- Obtain a job offer from a designated employer in a participating community.
- Demonstrate at least one year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the last three years (with some exemptions for international graduates).
- Meet minimum language requirements (usually CLB 4–6, depending on the role).
- Hold a Canadian secondary school credential or an equivalent foreign qualification.
- Show proof of sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family.
Once a candidate receives a job offer, the local economic development organization must endorse it before the worker can apply to the federal government for permanent residency.
Peace Liard’s Designated Employers
Located in northeastern BC, Peace Liard has introduced a broad list of approved employers across various sectors, such as:
- Healthcare & social services – Northern Health Authority, Northern Lights College, Campus Kids Daycare Society.
- Hospitality & food services – Chubby FSJ Ltd., Dawson Creek Golf & Country Club, Sushi Heaven Japanese Restaurant Ltd.
- Construction & trades – Surerus Construction and Development Ltd., Troyer Ventures Ltd., Pavlis Trucking Ltd.
- Retail & services – City Furniture Ltd., Sobeys Capital Inc., Williston Drugs Limited.
North Okanagan–Shuswap’s Designated Employers
In BC’s interior, North Okanagan–Shuswap’s RCIP employer list highlights opportunities in:
- Healthcare & community services – Interior Health Authority, Kindale Developmental Association, Vernon & District Immigrant & Services Society.
- Childcare & education – Harwood Montessori School, Kids Kingdom Childcare, North Okanagan Child Care Society.
- Manufacturing & trades – Tolko Industries Ltd., KingFisher Boats Inc., Interfor Corporation.
- Hospitality & retail – Best Western Premier Vernon, Predator Ridge Limited Partnership, Sobeys Capital Inc.
Pictou County’s Designated Employers
In Nova Scotia, Pictou County has published its employer list, featuring:
- Hospitality & food services – Tim Hortons (Kyle Shaw Enterprises Ltd.), Sam’s Pizza – Stellarton, Subway (Highland Subshop Ltd.).
- Construction & trades – Dustin’s Concrete, Scotsburn Lumber Ltd., Twin Rivers Home Builders.
- Retail & services – Sobeys Capital Inc., Needs Convenience, Bowen’s Autobody Repair & Sales Inc.
Why Designated Employers Are Key
Since RCIP is an employer-led program, securing a job offer from a designated employer is the first step toward PR. For skilled workers abroad, this provides a direct route to settle in Canadian communities actively seeking talent.
Currently, 14 communities across Canada are participating in RCIP, with most having launched their local programs. The initiative continues to see strong demand, offering both employers and foreign workers a mutually beneficial pathway — addressing labor shortages while opening doors to Canadian permanent residency.