A new group of community leaders wants to use immigration to drive sustainable growth for the local economy.
Sarnia-Lambton dignitaries gathered virtually Tuesday morning for the public launch of the President's Immigration Taskforce.
Judith Morris, the former president of Lambton College and the Interim CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, said the impetus for the taskforce came from Lambton's international students. Morris said the taskforce, which was initially formed in the spring of 2021, believes immigration is essential.
"Many [Ontario] communities are facing aging populations, declining birthrates and skilled worker shortages, and those factors are only amplified for smaller communities like Sarnia."
Morris said because of the challenges Sarnia-Lambton faces, including its rural location and smaller population, the community's growth hasn't kept pace with Ontario.
"I couldn't believe the disparity between the province's growth and our growth. Seriously, what is not to love here? More people need to experience this region and everything it has to offer. This disparity is something we need to correct."
To accomplish the goal, Morris said the community would need an average net growth of 1,463 individuals per year, with immigration being a major factor in that increase.
Morris said the taskforce is working with a consulting firm from Ottawa to develop a strategic immigration framework for Sarnia-Lambton, one of two goals outlined by the taskforce.
"This framework focuses on our demographic challenges and our skilled labour shortages so we can be sure we're bringing in people who can be successful here and contribute to the economy."
Morris said the second goal is to develop an immigration pilot project with the support of the federal government. She said it's a program that has been used to great effect in Atlantic Canada, northern Ontario and smaller cities in the west, and that it'll do incredible things for Sarnia-Lambton.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, another member of the taskforce, stressed the importance of the new initiative during Tuesday's virtual announcement.
"This is about survival. This is not about just another program we brought forward to grow the community, this is survival. The birthrate is not cutting it anywhere in Canada. If we do not bring in immigrants and newcomers, we will not survive the long term -- to create jobs, to keep schools going -- and that to me is the key."
Bradley said the taskforce decided to piggy-back on the college's direction. He said over the past 10 years, international students have brought diversity to the community, and employment opportunities for themselves and other residents.
Morris highlighted a recent survey of Lambton international students who graduated just over a year ago. She said it showed some great, heart-warming numbers.
"Sixty-two per cent of the respondents are working in Sarnia -- 62 per cent! And 94 per cent of the respondents said they would recommend Sarnia to a friend. I said what's not to love, right?"
The taskforce also includes:
Lambton College President & CEO Rob Kardas, Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott, Bluewater Power VP Alex Palimaka, John’s Restaurant and Coffee Lodge owner Leo Stathakis, Kel-Gor Director Matt Gordon, NOVA Chemicals Manufacturing East VP Rob Thompson, Sarnia GM of Community Services Stacey Forfar, Sarnia Director of Economic Development Kelly Provost, Lambton Corporate Services GM Stephane Thiffeault, Lambton College VP of Innovation and Research Mehdi Sheikhzadeh, Bluewater Health VP of Integrated Services Paula Reaume-Zimmer, Scotiabank Branch Manager Christina Longo, and Lambton College Senior Dean Chris Slade.