Leeds Grenville Regional Economic Development through Immigration

REDI in Leeds Grenville

BROCKVILLE – The Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office hosted over 65 attendees, inclusive of employers, business support agencies and new immigrants for a workshop that featured the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program at the Brockville Country Club on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes and Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Warden for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville brought greetings to the morning’s healthcare session with representatives from various Family Health Organizations and hospitals, along with Retirement and Long-term care facilities.

MPP Clark shared the REDI journey and the importance of taking advantage of this program. “We have a tremendous opportunity in our region to use the pilot program this year to bring in new physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, PSWs, technicians, and other healthcare providers,” said Clark, adding “Our government is committed to a number of initiatives to train more people to work in our healthcare system. As that work continues, REDI provides us with a unique opportunity to help ourselves. Let’s make sure we capitalize on it.”

Warden Corinna Smith-Gatcke thanked Mr. Clark for advocating that Leeds Grenville be included in the program. “Talent Attraction and Workforce Development is a key strategic area of focus for the Counties; REDI is a pathway to permanent residency for up to 200 skilled foreign workers who already have a job offer.” She said, adding “the need for family physicians and other healthcare professionals is significant and Counties Council didn’t hesitate in being part of the REDI pilot program.”

Sherri Fournier Hudson and George Smitherman from Health Workforce Innovations were introduced by Counties Warden. The Counties along with Brockville, Prescott and Gananoque have invested more than $168,000 in 2025 towards their services of securing Health Human Resources.

Three sessions were held, each addressing multiple industry sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing and construction with an open session for any business and interested applicants. The goal of each session was to help attendees better understand the REDI program process and its purpose to assist employers with making informed decisions regarding talent attraction and retention.

Employers who are struggling to find a skilled workforce to meet business goals can consider innovative strategies under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Leeds Grenville employers could utilize OINP and the Regional Economic Development through an Immigration pilot program to address these shortfalls. For more information on the REDI program visit www.investleedsgrenville.com/redi or email econdev@uglc.on.ca