2014 Orazietti crop

Supplied by Sault MPP David Orazietti… Provincial Investment Attracting Skilled Workers, Diversifying Local Business and Strengthening Economy

Sault Ste. Marie –  Ontario is investing $149,600 for the City of Sault Ste. Marie to develop an automatic referral tool that will connect newcomers to local service providers via an online and mobile interface, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“Today’s investment in Sault Connects will help all Sault residents better connect to local resources and government services through a simple-to-use app that can be installed on cell phones or tablets,” said Orazietti.  “This type of technology makes it easier than ever for local residents to find and access the services and information they need.”

The $149,600 investment through the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade is for the development of the Sault Connect Referral Tool.  This online, mobile-ready, automatic referral and inquiries app will further improve and enhance access to local programs and services.  The app allows users to ask questions which are then tagged and sent to relevant organizations. A response is delivered back to the user’s app by local service providers.  Users could also access organization profiles as well as view news about local events and announcements.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie has received $1,061,952 in provincial support since 2006 to enhance its local immigration website. The Discover the Sault website, launched in January 2009, promotes Sault Ste. Marie to newcomers as a welcoming destination for settlement and provides a one-stop access point for information about living, learning and working in the City.  The portal also provides local labour market information and identifies local employment supports to potential and recently arrived newcomers.

“Both newcomers and locals throughout the area will have direct access to service providers in areas of transportation, employment, health, education and settlement services. There are no lineups when using the app,” said Danny Krmpotich, Sault Ste. Marie Local Immigration Program Coordinator.

QUICK FACTS

” A network of dedicated municipal immigration web portals displays the profiles of more than 130 Ontario communities ” Municipalities with immigration web portals are the destination of over 90% of the immigrant landings in Ontario

LEARN MORE

” Ontario’s Immigration Strategy ” Immigration in Ontario ” Sault Connect App