5 Amazing Small Towns in Canada
APR 8, 2021
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REUBEN WALTER
Some people enjoy the fast paced city life, while others prefer to take the time to watch the rain beat against their windows, listen to the wind or just wake up breathing fresh air every day. If you fall into the latter half, congratulations, life is better for you. The thing about small towns is that they often carry the negative idea that there is not a lot in the way of job opportunities to be had. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) begs to differ. Smaller communities in Canada are experiencing a shortage in labour, in large part due to youth packing up for big city life, and retirees settling in smaller communities but not being an active part of the labour force. It was for exactly this reason that the Immigration and Refugee Council of Canada (IRCC) created the RNIP, so that these smaller communities could fill the gaps in their labour market by opening them up to foreign workers. The added incentive to a quiet life in the beautiful Canadian country, permanent residency in Canada. Here are five of the communities participating in the RNIP and a little bit of background on what they are like:
5 Incredible Small Towns Offering Jobs in Canada

1. Thunder Bay, Ontario
The first town on our list is the vibrant and quite big town of Thunder Bay, which shores Lake Superior and is only 45 miles north of the United States border. Even though the town is closer to a city, we chose it because of its position on Lake Superior, with beautiful vantage points from all over the town. With a population of 110,000 people, it’s not exactly a small town but more of a thriving community. The town was built on forestry and manufacturing, but moving with the times has seen the emergence of a knowledge economy, focussing on medical research and education. There are hospitals, numerous schools, churches, synagogues and a mosque. A truly inclusive community. Jobs available under the RNIP include:- Registered Nurse
- Pharmacy Technician
- Practical Nurse
- Chef/Cook
- Licensed Mechanic
- Personal Support Worker
- Truck Driver
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Concrete, Clay and Stone Forming Operator
- Construction Labourer
2. Brandon, Manitoba
With a population of only 48,000 residents, Brandon is considerably smaller than the last entry. On the banks of the Assiniboine river, this quiet town was founded as a trading post from Hudon bay. Nowadays, the economy is mainly focussed on agriculture due to the fertile land surrounding the town. There are a number of renowned universities and colleges in the town as well as the Keystone Centre, where you can support the Wheat Kings, the local ice hockey team. Jobs available under the RNIP include:- Barber
- Electronic Service Technician
- Physician
- Butcher/Meat Cutter
- Mechanical Technician
- Medical Secretary
- Pharmacy Aide
- Podiatrist
- Purchasing Officer
- Cook
3. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Honestly, we would live here just for the name. The larger than life little town boasts an elaborate network of underground tunnels which run below downtown Moose Jaw. It first served to hide Chinese migrants and then as part of a rum running operation during the United States prohibition. Al Capone was even rumored to have had a hand in the illicit dealings which took place in the small town. Today, with a population of just over 33,000, the town relies on tourism, agriculture, fertilizer and meat production as well as retail to sustain its local economy. Moose Jaw is registered as a participating community in the RNIP, and we eagerly anticipate their publication of available jobs soon.4. Claresholm, Alberta
Now we are getting to the real small towns. Claresholm has a population of only 3,780 residents and you couldn’t find a more relaxed and tranquil place in the world. Less than an hour's drive from the famous Canadian Rocky mountain range, you can spend your weekends truly enjoying nature's splendour. Jobs available under the RNIP include:- Truck Driver
- Food Counter Attendant
- Food Service Supervisor
- General Farm Worker
- Pastor
5. West Kootenay, British Columbia
For our last small town on today’s list we will be considering not one small town, but a group that forms the region of West Kootenay. Trail, Castelgar, Rossland and Nelson. These beautiful little picturebook communities are all nestled in green valleys in the heart of B.C., some along the iconic Okanagan river. Their strong economy is dominated by fruit growing farms and commercial centres. Numerous lakes, passes and surrounding mountains make this the ideal area for a relaxed lifestyle with a high quality of life. Jobs available under the RNIP include:- Store Manager
- Truck Driver
- Social Worker
- Concept Artist
- Hotel Caretaker
- Early Childhood Educator
- Technical & 3D Character Modeller
- General Labourer
- Landfill Attendant
- Gameplay Programmer
- Financial Controller
- many more positions
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