On December 17 in Hawkesbury, a new partnership initiative was announced by the Employment Services Centre of Prescott-Russell (ESCPR) and Contak Recruitment Solutions, with support from the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs as part of the Rural Economic Development (RED) grant.
Prescott-Russell businesses will be the main benefactors of the workplace recruitment funding announcement. The Local and International Talents Acquisition (LITA) initiative takes a personalized approach to assist businesses in their recruitment efforts, both at home and abroad.
“At Contak, we are confident that this initiative will have a significant impact on employers in the region,” Chairman of the Board for the ESCPR, Carl Portelance stated.
The provincial funding of $300,000 is being invested in recruiting, training, and retaining qualified workers to fill some of the more than 3,600 open employment positions in the region. Funding from the RED program and the Ministry of Rural Affairs will total $142,000 spread over two years, with an additional $158,000 over three years from the ESCPR.
The entire process and cost of hiring new employees can range between $5,000 to $15,000 for each new hire and significantly eats away at businesses’ bottom lines, especially if the hire does not continue working after training and onboarding.
“This investment by our government plays a key role in the economic development of Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. By attracting and retaining qualified talent, we are creating sustainable employment opportunities for newcomers and supporting the growth of our region,” Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Stéphane Sarrazin said.
Executive Director of ESCPR Caroline Arcand concluded, “This component is part of a larger project with other financial partners who will be announced at a later date. Today, we can tell you that 50 SMEs (small and medium enterprises) will be able to benefit from substantial savings reducing the costs inherent in international recruitment, by March 31, 2026.”
Regional businesses that are interested in learning more about the project, its funding, or its application process are encouraged to contact the Contak Recruitment Solutions team at 613-448-4368 or contak.ca.
Photos: Philip Oddi
