Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 24, 2008

Province Adds New Family Connections Category to Provincial Nominee Program

The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, through the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, is enhancing the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with the launch of a new family connections category. This will enable established immigrants to support family members who wish to immigrate to the province.

"The addition of the family connections category builds on our immigration strategy goals by strengthening the ability of the province to attract and retain immigrants who are already motivated to settle in the province," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "With family members close by, immigrants will feel a greater attachment to their communities."

Currently, the PNP includes the skilled worker, immigrant entrepreneur and immigrant partner nomination categories. In addition to the new family connections category, the department is working on the development of an international graduate category. The new categories are key aims of the $6 million provincial immigration strategy, Diversity ~ Opportunity and Growth. Under an agreement with the Government of Canada, individuals nominated under the Provincial Nominee Program are given priority processing through the federal immigration system.

"This is an exciting day, not only for my family and my business but also for our community," said Dr. Sanjay Ralhan, veterinarian and owner of the new Sunrise Animal Hospital in Mount Pearl. "The new family connection category will enable us to sponsor relatives who are eager to make a contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador�s economy, society and their new community. At the same time, it provides our children with the support of their extended family."

The provincial immigration strategy aims to triple the number of immigrants who choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their new home. An expanded PNP is a key part of the strategy. An application kit and complete set of guidelines for the PNP are available at: www.nlpnp.ca or by contacting the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism at 709-729-6607.

"Newfoundland and Labrador can offer new immigrants safe and welcoming communities while immigrants provide new perspectives, specialized skills and a spirit of entrepreneurship," said Minister Skinner. "This helps to diversify and strengthen the province�s culture, and also, in part helps address the demographic challenges associated with a declining and aging population. The new category is a win-win for both newcomers and the province."

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Media contact:

Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca

2008 04 24                                                     9:45 a.m.


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