Registration is still open for next week's summit focusing on the economic impact of immigration in Sarnia-Lambton.
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and Local Immigration Partnership are inviting local business leaders and residents to sign up for the 2026 Lambton Immigration Forum, on Wednesday, October 28 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward.
CEO Matthew Slotwinski said the morning breakfast session will focus on a critical component in supporting a strong and sustainable local economy.
"The immigration forum is really an opportunity to highlight the contributions of newcomers and immigrants to the local economy," Slotwinski said. "The reality is, rural economies rely heavily on immigrants and newcomers to fill rolls necessary to employers in the area, create entrepreneurship activities and create new business."
Slotwinski said newcomers and immigrants help fill local employment gaps.
"We know that there's identified needs in many specific areas in the community that can't presently be filled by local labour capabilities, despite current unemployment rates," Slotwinski said.
He said a few fields of work come to mind.
"We can point directly to the needs for workers associated with certain forms of long term healthcare in the community. Additionally, early childhood educators, which are in critical need across Lambton. Filling those rolls allow residents of the Sarnia-Lambton area to pursue their own work related endeavors," said Slotwinski.
Keynote speaker and former chief economist David Campbell will address rural economic growth, followed by a panel of local newcomers sharing their career experiences.
Space is limited for the event, which will run from 830 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
Community members interested in attending are urged to register online by visiting sarnialambton.on.ca/events.
