Urban to Rural Migration for Employment Reasons: An Examination of Immigrant Settlement Needs in Rural Ontario

Canada depends on immigration to contribute to the growing economy and to stabilize the population. Although the majority of immigrants to Canada are highly skilled and educated, they experience high rates of unemployment and underemployment, typically in urban areas. Meanwhile, small towns and rural areas require more skilled labour to satisfy economic and demographic declines. Working in partnership with the Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP), this research examines the potential of NCP’s Rural Employment Initiative, which seeks to connect talented newcomers with employment opportunities in rural areas of Ontario. Using focus groups with 50 skilled newcomers interested in urban to rural relocation, this research examines perceived newcomer settlement and integration needs and challenges to be faced in rural areas. Findings show employment and welcoming communities are fundamental to newcomer integration, and collaboration between stakeholders is necessary to ensure that these economic and socio-cultural integration needs of newcomers are met.M.A