Advocating for Immigration Pathways That Work for Resort Communities

The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is participating in ongoing workforce advocacy through the Resort Chambers of Commerce Coalition.

Resort communities make important contributions to Canada’s tourism economy, but they also face distinct workforce challenges. Seasonal demand, limited housing, smaller permanent populations and ongoing labour shortages can make it difficult for employers to recruit and retain the workers their businesses and communities need.

These challenges extend beyond tourism and hospitality. Resort communities also require workers in construction, healthcare, professional services, retail, transportation and other sectors that support residents, businesses and visitors throughout the year.

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot

The federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is an employer-driven pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers who want to live and work in participating rural and remote communities.

However, some resort communities may not qualify under the program’s existing population or proximity requirements—even when they experience many of the same workforce and demographic challenges as other participating rural communities.

Through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network, resort-community chambers have supported policy recommendations calling on the federal government to:

• Explicitly recognize and include resort communities within RCIP eligibility criteria;

• Allow greater flexibility in population and proximity requirements for communities with tourism-dependent economies and demonstrated labour shortages; and

• Engage municipalities, employers, industry representatives and other local stakeholders in the implementation of these changes.

The policy also calls for a clearer federal definition of a resort community—one that considers economic reliance on tourism, visitor accommodation, local tourism infrastructure and the role tourism plays in supporting the broader community.

Why This Matters Locally

Osoyoos is one of British Columbia’s designated resort municipalities, and tourism is an important part of the broader South Okanagan economy.

Businesses throughout the region continue to experience challenges attracting and retaining workers. These shortages can limit operating hours, constrain growth, increase costs and place additional pressure on existing employees.

Immigration is not the only solution to regional workforce challenges, but well-designed, community-supported immigration pathways can help employers fill persistent gaps while giving workers an opportunity to establish permanent roots in the communities where they already contribute.

A Stronger Voice Through Collaboration

By working through the Resort Chambers of Commerce Coalition and the broader Chamber network, the South Okanagan Chamber can participate in national policy conversations that would be difficult to influence alone.

This collaborative advocacy helps ensure that federal workforce and immigration policies consider the realities of smaller, rural and tourism-dependent economies—not only those of major urban centres.

The Chamber will continue working with its regional, provincial and national partners to support practical workforce solutions that strengthen businesses and contribute to vibrant, sustainable communities.