Survey shows that former residents care about Newfoundland and Labrador

For Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living away, home is where the heart is.

More than 1,100 former residents living in other parts of the country have responded so far to an on-line survey that asks them why they left the province, where they�ve gone, what they know about future job opportunities and if they would return for employment.

The survey was developed by the Cormack-Grenfell Regional Steering Committee of the Strategic Social Plan (SSP) and released in December.

"We�ve really been heartened, and a little surprised, that so many people are answering our request so quickly," says June Alteen, chair of the regional steering committee. "Although people have left for various reasons, they care deeply about what�s happening here."

Findings from the survey of former residents, and an earlier survey of area high school students, will be used in development of a broad human resources strategy for the region.

"It�s wonderful that so many people are answering this call," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services and minister responsible for the SSP. "And it�s great that the steering committee is taking action on this issue. The SSP is about working together in new ways to deal with challenging issues that impact our social and economic development."

Surveys are coming in from all across the country, from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and as far away as China. Most people cite employment and educational opportunities, and health care as reasons for leaving their hometowns.

"I�d be there in a heartbeat," one former resident wrote when completing the survey posted at www.gov.nl.ca/ssp. "If I could find a permanent job in Newfoundland and Labrador I would take a pay cut, a loss on the sale of my house, and spend whatever it takes to make the move because you can�t put a price on going home."

While some respondents offered solutions - "I think the focus should turn from outport communities and fishing to development in the larger communities in the province" - the common thread was that people want to come back. "My husband and I love Newfoundland and most of our immediate family is back there," one woman wrote, "We would move back tomorrow if we could both find jobs."

The committee is currently surveying more than 3,000 employers in the region asking about impending retirements, human resource needs and future employment opportunities.

Partners on the Cormack-Grenfell Regional Steering Committee of the SSP come together to work on issues that impact social and economic development in the region.

Media contact:
          Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-0175
          Connie Boland, Communications, (709) 637-2249

2003 01 15                                        12:30 p.m.