Advanced Education and Skills
March 18, 2015
Encouraging Cultural Diversity and Understanding
Multiculturalism Week Celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador
In support of cultural diversity and understanding, Multiculturalism Week is being celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Our Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism is actively working to build awareness of the benefits of immigration and diversity. This includes the celebration of multiculturalism, in order to promote inclusive citizenship, and foster cross-cultural understanding. I encourage everyone to take part in this week-long celebration of cultural diversity. Congratulations to our partners and volunteers for organizing such a wonderful tribute to celebrate all cultures, promoting respect and harmony as we strengthen the future of this province.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills
During Multiculturalism Week, multi-coloured lights will light Confederation Building, as well as other participating municipal government buildings, business organizations and private homes throughout the province. The tradition was inspired by residents of Labrador City who light green bulbs on their porches each year to recognize the welcoming of newcomers to their community. All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to join in the celebration and display multi-coloured lights outside their homes as a symbol of support for diversity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Our population is becoming increasingly diverse with people coming here to work, live, and do business in a variety of industries and professions. Since the launch of the province’s first-ever Immigration Strategy in 2007, annual immigration has been increasing. According to recent data, in 2013, the province received the highest ever annual number of new immigrants with 825 individuals choosing to make Newfoundland and Labrador their home.”
- Minister Jackman
The release of the 2014 Immigration Update demonstrated a steady increase in annual immigration to the province mainly due to the Provincial Nominee Program. As a result of successful negotiations with the Federal Government, an increase was granted in the program quota. The new quota for Newfoundland and Labrador for 2015 is 500 nominations, which is an additional 200 nominations over the previous quota. The province has also received an additional quota of 550 Express Entry nominations, a new program from the Federal Government. The total quota for these program for 2015 is 1,050, which is a 250 per cent increase compared to 2014.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is celebrating Multiculturalism Week, March 15-22.
- During Multiculturalism Week, multi-coloured lights will light Confederation Building, as well as other participating municipal government buildings, business organizations and private homes throughout the province.
- All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to join in the celebration and display multi-coloured lights outside their homes as a symbol of support for diversity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The release of the 2014 Immigration Update demonstrated a steady increase in annual immigration to the province mainly due to the Provincial Nominee Program and the province has also received an additional quota of 550 Express Entry nominations, a new program from the Federal Government.
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Media contact:
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Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-6939, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca |
2015 03 18 3:15 p.m.