City of Powell River councillors were provided an update about the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) entrepreneur immigration regional stream on August 19.
At a committee of the whole meeting, Callie Cuthbertson, manager of city properties, partnerships and public relations, said the program looks at immigrants coming to the community as entrepreneurs.
“Following council’s direction, staff submitted an application to the province to get back onto this program and we were successfully admitted,” said Cuthbertson. “As of July 24, we are now on the WelcomeBC website as a participating community.”
She said the priority sectors for the city are aquaculture, motion picture and sound recording industries, computer systems and related services, support activities for air transportation, resorts, food manufacturing, and scientific and technical consulting services.
Cuthbertson said applicants need to email the city’s designated PNP address to be accepted into the program. She said applicants will then need to complete an expression of interest form, which will be assessed by staff.
There will be an initial assessment, using a scoring matrix to determine the success of the applicant, according to Cuthbertson. Applicants scoring 70 per cent or higher will be considered for further steps.
Successful applicants would then have a virtual preliminary interview.
“It’s an opportunity to assess the applicant’s understanding of our local context, assess their communications skills and overall fit within our community,” said Cuthbertson. “If successful, they will be invited for an exploratory visit. They will then have the opportunity to meet with elected officials. Following the meeting, applicants may revise their business plan for final consideration.”
Cuthbertson said if, at that point, they have succeeded, staff will complete a referral to the province, which will complete its own due diligence.
Councillor George Doubt said Cuthbertson’s written report referred to the city’s designated contact, who will review applications, et cetera. He asked if there was one individual contact, and is that a city staff person or a consultant.
Cuthbertson said the designated person would be a staff member.
Councillor Cindy Elliott asked about costs to the city. Cuthbertson said she would have a better idea after a year of the program being in place as to what type of costs would be involved.
“It is likely to depend on the number of applications received,” said Cuthbertson. “If there is a large number of applicants, there may be a higher number of hours of staff time required.”
Mayor Ron Woznow said it is important to look at cost-benefit analysis. He said prior to recommending to council that the city move to re-enter the PNP program, he talked with a number of mayors around the province, all of whom have seen significant benefits from the program.
“I’m hoping we can take a really judicious approach to balance the cost-benefit,” said Woznow, “and welcome as many people who have proven the ability to start companies and create wealth in the community.”
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