Immigration site goes mobile

A regional tool used to promote Northwestern Ontario to the world will now be used to tap into the 5-billion mobile phones in use around the globe.

The award-winning Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal unveiled new innovations and content Thursday, the most significant being the launch of a new mobile application.

The enhancements will allow potential immigrants to access the portal with any mobile device in 15 different languages.

Also launched Thursday was a new regional career directory and businesses for sale directory.

All 32 participating communities can now add their local jobs opportunities and businesses that are on the market to the Portal

Coun. Rebecca Johnson is a member of the portal advisory committee and said thousands of people are visiting the site.

Thunder Bay Multicultural Association Executive Director, Cathy Woodbeck said the Portal has been successful and busier than ever imagined.

She added that many people are already in the system and waiting to relocate, which can take up to 18 months. More newcomers are expected next year.