NLIS 2
December 16, 2005
(Human Resources, Labour and Employment)
 

Consultations indicate support for attracting skilled immigrants and business people

One of the highlights of a report on consultations on immigration is support for the province working to attract skilled immigrants and business people who can contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador�s economy.

Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), today released a report on 14 stakeholder consultation sessions that were held this fall across the province. This feedback will contribute to the provincial immigration strategy that is being developed.

"We are acutely aware of the economic benefits of a skilled workforce," said Minister Shelley. "Through consultations we have listened to the views of educational, economic, business and immigrant organizations, as well as women�s groups, zonal boards, sponsors of refugees, church groups, municipalities, international students, and youth groups. We recognize that we need to retain our province�s youth, but we have also heard that immigrants help stimulate economic growth by starting businesses, by providing connections to the global marketplace, and by accepting jobs that are difficult to fill."

The consultation sessions also revealed a considerable lack of awareness surrounding immigration, says Minister Shelley.

"I want to recognize the important contributions of everyone who attended the consultations or took the time to send written submissions. The comments received clearly indicate that we need to do more to increase public awareness of the benefits of skilled immigrants settling in Newfoundland and Labrador," added the minister. "Equally, potential immigrants to Newfoundland and Labrador appear to have a limited awareness of how much we have to offer. Attracting more international students to study and stay here, we were told, is one of a number of avenues we should look at."

The minister is also sensitive to public concerns that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has too few employees based in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A copy of "What We Heard: Report of Consultations on a Provincial Immigration Strategy" can be obtained online at www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/publications/ImmigrationConsultationsDec.pdf
or by phoning (709) 729-6967.

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications (709) 729-4062, 690-6047

2005 12 16                                  10:05 a.m.


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