Community Corner

RNIP journey of Komal Vijay Shah

Experiencing Northern living has been a lifelong dream that exceeded my expectations. After studying Bio-Medical Engineering at the LD College of Engineering in India, I was accepted into the Health Informatics program at Confederation College in Thunder Bay in 2021. I packed all of my belongings, said goodbye to my family back home, and came to begin my new life in Canada. After completing a program with Confederation College, I started working with Southbridge Pinewood long-term care in Thunder Bay. I began thinking about longer-term plans to stay in Canada. I then heard about the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, which aims to attract newcomers to Northwestern Ontario. I researched more about it on IRCC (Immigration Refugee Canada), which directed me to the CEDC (Community Economic Development Commission) website that facilitates the program. I applied to obtain my Permanent Residency (PR) through this program. According to the program’s priority occupation list, I was working in a “Residential Support worker-RSW” position, considered a type of Health care worker. While working in Thunder Bay, labour shortages were prevalent, with workers regularly needing to be brought in to fill voids outside the area. I recognized that I could help to fill this gap by staying in Canada.
The program is designed to address labour shortages via foreign or local employees. The RNIP program generally takes up to 8 to 12 months. On the employer side, CEDC must approve the business to participate in the program. Employees must meet eligibility criteria such as completing English tests like IELTS (International English Language Test) or any authorized English test scorecard according to their TEER category listed on the CEDC website. The eligibility requirements are listed on the official CEDC website.
After obtaining my Permanent Residency, I came across the “Municipality of Sioux Lookout” website. The Municipality was hiring for an Administrative Assistant for the Development Services Department. In India, I obtained related job experience. I decided to challenge myself even further with a leap to broaden my experiences to include rural living. I am adventurous, continuously craving to explore new places and enjoy new life experiences. I decided to move to this strange unknown Municipality I had never visited and welcomed the 2023 New Year, ready to embrace small-town living.   
After moving to Sioux Lookout, I connected with many people and continued learning something new each day. As a bonus, I got another part-time job at the Fresh Market grocery store as a Deli Clerk after only two weeks. Small communities seem more friendly, with more significant opportunities and more to learn. Being a non-English speaker, I sometimes found it difficult when working with native English speakers. Fortunately, I have understanding team members who support me when necessary. I act as secretary for the community Environment Committee and Committee of Adjustment, which allows me to build closer relationships with the committee members and Councillors in Sioux Lookout. Being an extrovert, I love to volunteer and am part of many organizations here to meet others and contribute to community resilience; while living here for only four months, I had articles published in our local paper where I shared my experience.
During the Holi Celebration at the “Forest Inn,” we met many Indian folks and had some delicious Indian Potluck and folk dance. Local residents of Sioux Lookout also participated and seemed to really enjoy experiencing our culture. Our Library will soon host a “Henna event” on May 24th to celebrate the Indian culture with newcomers and local residents. The community enthusiastically embraces these events and experiences, which makes me feel welcome. I always say: You can take me out of India, but you can’t take India out of me. I love my enriched Indian culture and want to show that to people in Sioux Lookout. Sioux Lookout is a great place to grow and embrace new career opportunities.
My role with Development Services has given me more opportunities to welcome other immigrants. Jennifer Esposito has recently joined our department as the Economic Development Officer, and she hopes to attract and support more Newcomers to add to the vibrancy of our community and fill labour gaps. I feel fortunate to be part of a great team with an inclusive work culture. I am also excited to welcome Jennifer to the municipality and support her while she achieves more economic opportunities for our community.  
Submitted by Komal Vijay Shah