The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: Obstacles and Opportunities

The history of systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in Northern Ontario is an important area of research in relation to Canada’s immigration goals and outcomes. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) was introduced in 2019 and seeks to welcome hundreds of working immigrants to five Northern Ontario cities over the next five years. Unfortunately, Northern Ontario has obstacles that may prevent a smooth transition for incoming Immigrants. For example, Northern Ontario’s previous and current racist treatment towards Indigenous peoples exemplifies the region’s troubles with fostering social cohesion. This research will be presented in several parts. First, a history of racism against Indigenous peoples in Northern Ontario will be offered. Second, other approaches that could help to inform RNIP will be analyzed. This includes a discussion of the case studies on successful programs that have helped to foster social inclusion between Indigenous peoples, Immigrants, and White Settlers in other Canadian cities. Third, an analysis will more widely engage with literature that seeks to understand relevant themes and concepts such as Indigenous opinions on immigration, White noise and dismantling colonial discourse. This research is of high importance and relevance because the RNIP recipient cities are currently accepting applications from potential working immigrants. It is paramount to the success of RNIP that dialogue-centered programs are put in place, and adjustments made, that are designed to promote social inclusion and social cohesion between all three groups