The Provincial Government, through the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism (OIM), is actively engaged in the promotion of Newfoundland and Labrador as the premier destination of choice in Canada for immigrants. The recently established OIM has a full complement of 13 personnel in place with connections to 16 countries. The OIM is a key element of the $6 million provincial immigration strategy, Diversity ~ Opportunity and Growth.

"I am pleased to advise that the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism is open for business. We have successfully recruited a group of dynamic and enthusiastic individuals with considerable international experience," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The OIM will bring a diversity of backgrounds and language skills to the table to help ensure the successful implementation of the provincial immigration strategy,"

Each year, Newfoundland and Labrador attracts an average of 400 immigrants. Other jurisdictions have found increased success in terms of both attraction and retention when immigration matters are consolidated within a single department and office of government. The provincial immigration strategy consolidates all immigration matters under the mandate of the OIM. The new office and structure provides a single point of focus to ensure that the goals of the strategy are effectively implemented. The OIM promotes the province to prospective immigrants, while enhancing retention, settlement and integration services.

The OIM also has responsibility for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP enables the Provincial Government to nominate individuals to immigrate to the province. Individuals can currently be nominated through the skilled worker, immigrant entrepreneur, and immigrant partner categories. The development of new PNP categories is a key objective of the immigration strategy.

"The establishment of the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism is a critical step forward in fully realizing the immigration strategy�s goals and objectives for the long-term social and economic benefit of the province," said Minister Skinner.

For further information on the provincial immigration strategy and the OIM, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/immigration/index.htm.

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2008 01 25                                                       9:50 a.m.