Consultations begin for development of immigration strategy

Consultations begin today as the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues its development of an immigration strategy for the province. The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment will meet with stakeholders and advocacy groups across the province over the next several weeks.

�The department values the input and expertise of our stakeholders, community advocates and others with an interest in an immigration strategy for the province,� said Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. �Over 200 representatives from many sectors including education, economic development, government and immigration groups have been invited to the consultations.�

The consultations begin today in St. Anthony. Other scheduled consultations include:

• September 14 - Corner Brook
  September 15 � Stephenville
• September 19 - Happy Vally/Goose Bay
• September 28 � Clarenville
• September 29 � Marystown
• September 30 � Carbonear
• October 3 � Gander
• October 3 - Grand Falls-Windsor
• October 11-14 � (4 sessions in St. John's)

While access to the consultation meetings is through invitation, the general public can also provide feedback on the document An Immigration Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador: Opportunity for Growth by submitting written comments to Immigration Policy and Planning, Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, P.O. Box 8700, St. Johns, NL, A1B 4J6 , or by e-mail at immigration@gov.nl.ca.

In June, the department released a discussion paper, An Immigration Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador: Opportunity for Growth. The discussion document provides an overview of immigration in Canada, the Atlantic Provinces, and Newfoundland and Labrador and outlines why the province is developing an immigration strategy at this time. The document is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/hrle

In addition, the paper highlights the role of stakeholders, the need to expand settlement services, the need to improve mechanisms for foreign credential recognition, and the importance of a welcoming communities strategy. �I am very happy to report the development of an immigration strategy is moving forward as we begin the consultation process,� said Minister Burke. Immigrants offer new ideas, cultural experiences, and specialized skills. We already have excellent examples of immigrants to our province who have established successful business ventures and are employing local residents. This is an opportunity to explore immigration as one means to revitalize our province.�

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062

2005 09 13                                          10:30 a.m.