Thunder Bay RCIP: Designated Employer List

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has officially launched the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) program and published its list of designated employers.

Building on the success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the RCIP’s goal is to attract skilled workers to the area and help businesses meet their staffing needs as well as grow and contribute to the success of Thunder Bay’s economy.

What is RCIP?

The RCIP allows designated employers in Thunder Bay to hire foreign workers to fill important positions in their businesses. These workers are needed to address the labour shortages that many businesses in the region are facing due to lack of local talent.

Once businesses are designated under the RCIP, they can either hire foreign nationals already living in Canada or recruit workers from abroad. However, it’s important to note that employers are responsible for finding candidates on their own, as the program does not match candidates with employers.

Thunder Bay's Designated Employers List

Thunder Bay has published its list of designated employers who are eligible to participate in the RCIP. These businesses are authorized to offer jobs to foreign nationals and help fill crucial roles within the community. The list which can be found on the CEDC website, will be updated regularly as more businesses become classified as “designated” employers:

1. Ace Automotive – 113 Leith Street
2. Bar Burrito – 301-595 Arthur St W
3. Circle K (Balsam St) – 3 Balsam Street
4. Circle K (Red River Rd) – 915 Red River Rd
5. Clara Industrial Services Ltd. – 1130 Commerce Street
6. Dulux Paints – 784 Memorial Ave
7. Eddy Lee’s Chinese Restaurant – 863 Red River Road
8. Edo Japan – 201-595 Arthur St W
9. Firehouse Subs – 3-905 Fort William Rd
10. Gino’s Pizza – 400 Balmoral St
11. Great Canadian Oil Change – 1160 Memorial Ave
12. Golden Wok – 106 May St S
13. Guac Mexi Grill – 570 Harbour Expressway, Unit 2
14. High Spirits Inc. – 498 Chelsea Crescent
15. Inspired Cabinetry & Granite Inc. – 146 Gore St West
16. JKS Enterprises – Diamond Taxi – 113 Leith Street
17. Kasper Bus Lines – 947 Memorial Ave
18. Lakehead Roofing & Metal Cladding Ltd. – 1190 Russell Street
19. Lowerys, Limited – 540 Central Avenue
20. Land of Spices – 707 Memorial Avenue, Unit 1
21. Mahhon Electric Co. Ltd. – 635 Mountdale Ave
22. Mahmowenchike Family Development Centre – 150 Redwood Avenue West
23. Maltese Grocery Ltd. – 301 Pearl Street
24. Monsoon Tandoor Fresh – 588 Arthur Street West Unit 4
25. Northern Turf Equipment – 710B Balmoral St
26. Outlaws Burgers & Fries – 801 Central Ave
27. Scott Family Dental – 276 Park Ave
28. Spadoni Leasing Ltd. – 450 Sifton Ave
29. Shoppers Drug Mart – 681 & 1312 194 N. Court St
30. Shelter House – 420 George St
31. SLR Contracting Corp. – 105 May St N Unit 7
32. R.C. Coating Systems – 525 Cumberland St Unit #2
33. Superior Shores Gaming Association – 435 Memorial Ave
34. Thundermaple Asian Food Co. – 777 Memorial Ave
35. Tim Hortons (Waterloo St.) – 110 Waterloo St N
36. Village Market – 336 Wardrope Ave
37. Wasabi Restaurant – 538 Arthur St West
38. Westfort Family Dental – 124 Frederica Street East
39. Woking Bird Restaurant – 425 Edward St N (Unit 5)
40. Sushi Station – 280 Algoma St
41. Superior Foods – 1090 Lithium Drive

Thunder Bay Priority Sectors

To be eligible for designation, your business must meet various guidelines as indicated on the CEDC website but most notably, to qualify for the RCIP, your business must fall under at least one of Thunder Bay’s priority sectors. These industries were strategically selected by Thunder Bay as they are important to the region’s economy:

1. Business and Finance Administration
2. Education, Law, Social, Community, and Government Services
3. Healthcare
4. Sales and Service
5. Trades, Transport, Equipment Operators, and related occupations.

How You Can Join the RCIP

If your business is in the Thunder Bay Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), you can apply to become a designated employer under the RCIP by completing the RCIP Employer Designation Application Form available through the CEDC.

In addition to mandatory RCIP training, you will need to submit training certificates and other necessary documents to complete the application.

After your business qualifies for and becomes a designated employer, you can start recruiting foreign nationals to fill job openings by finding candidates on your own or being approached by potential workers, as your business will be added to Thunder Bay’s “designated employers” list.

What Does This Mean for Applicants

The CEDC will evaluate applications in the order they are received, so applying early is advantageous. Once approved, employers will receive a Confirmation of Designation and will be listed on our website as an official RCIP Designated Employer.

Once designated as an eligible employer in Thunder Bay, employers can assess potential candidates to ensure they meet all RCIP eligibility requirements and may submit Recommendation Application Forms to the CEDC for review.

What Happens After a Candidate is Approved for the RCIP?

If a candidate is approved, they will receive a Recommendation Certificate from the CEDC. The employer will also be notified. The candidate can use this certificate to apply to IRCC for permanent residency.

If the candidate needs a work permit to come to Canada, the CEDC will help guide them through the application process.

Contact Canadim

Thunder Bay is a rapidly growing city in Canada that offers many opportunities for businesses and foreign workers. The region’s convenient location near the US border makes it an ideal place for expansion and growth.

By becoming a designated employer under the RCIP, your business can be exposed to a wider pool of skilled talent, attracting professionals who can contribute to your business’ success.

If you are an employer interested in learning more about the RCIP or want to apply to become a designated employer under the RCIP, contact us today to begin your application.