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Crossroads
BIRTLE, HAMIOTA, ROSSBURN, RUSSELL,
SLIP & SLIDE
DARRELL NESBITT/CROSSROADS THIS WEEK
Sounds of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure equipment broke the silence of Sunday morning, Nov. 17, as road salt was required on all major highways inthe area. Here, a truck laden with slush covered wing plows turned into the Shoal Lake yard, as the battle of clearing ice continued throughout the day. The scene was much the same mid-week, as rain turned into snow as temperatures dropped, creating hazardous driving conditions.
Regional initiative aims to alleviate labour shortages
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Crossroads This Week
Eight communities across the regions are participating in a new regional West-Central Immigration Initiative (W-CII) designed to address the pressing worker shortage in rural areas. This pilot program includes the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Ellice-Archie, Gambler First Nation, Prairie View Municipality (PVM), R.M. of Riding Mountain West, Municipality of
Roblin, Rossburn Municipality, Municipality of Russell-Binscarth, and the R.M of Yellowhead.
Aiming to attract skilled immigrants who can help fill job vacancies throughout the region, Zoey Jebb, PVM economic development officer, shared details about the program’s goals, explaining that this immigration initiative targets to bring in workers to ease the severe labour shortages facing various industries.
“The surveys showed numerous
sectors are desperately seeking employees,” Jebb said. “This initiative strives to attract skilled individuals from outside Canada, easing business strain and encouraging community resilience.”
The W-CII is focused on not just filling jobs but also ensuring a smooth integration for newcomers while demonstrating the value of working together with different organizations.
“We are working closely with Rural Manitoba Economic Devel-
opment, Regional Employment Resource Centre, and Westman Immigrant Services,” Jebb explained.
“Each partnering community has representation on our Working Committee, and we’ve established a board to oversee the selection process for new immigrants.”
A recent labour market survey revealed a need for approximately 240 to 300 new workers over the next three years, stressing the urgency of this program and its impact.
“The Municipality of RussellBinscarth is proud to partner with Gambler First Nation and our neighbouring municipalities to form the W-CII,” said Mayor Judy Snitynsky, Municipality of RussellBinscarth. “Through this collaborative partnership, we look forward to expanding our immigration networks and showcasing the unlimited potential that we offer for newcomers to this area of Manitoba.”
