September 1, 1999
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador sign agreement on immigration

Federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Elinor Caplan, provincial Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Walter Noel, and provincial Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, Sandra Kelly, today signed an agreement to establish a provincial nominee class of immigrants in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This five-year agreement gives Newfoundland and Labrador the right to designate immigrants who will meet specific needs consistent with its policies on immigration and economic and industrial development.

The government of Canada will continue to ensure that statutory requirements relating to health, security and criminality are met while allowing greater flexibility for the admission of immigrants who can respond to needs specific to Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This agreement demonstrates the commitment of the federal government to collaborate with the provinces in making the immigration program more efficient," said Minister Caplan. "The two levels of government are in a better position to plan for the future."

Minister Kelly said: "The provincial nominee agreement will give the government of Newfoundland and Labrador a broader, more flexible means of attracting immigrants who will contribute to the growth in the economy. The skills that new immigrants bring to the province, whether they are industrial, entrepreneurial or other, will help expand the growing expertise we already have in a diversity of sectors."

"Immigration is something the province is increasingly interested in," Minister Noel stated. "We look forward to working cooperatively with the federal government over the course of this agreement to bring skilled people to our country, and keep them in our province. This agreement is an excellent example of how both levels of government can collaborate for the greater good."

New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia already have similar programs. Newfoundland and Labrador will now have a program in place to actively seek skilled workers from around the world to work and live in the province. In addition, the program is expected to create a number of spin-off jobs and opportunities within the province.

A detailed application kit is available through the provincial department of Industry, Trade and Technology, and can be provided to interested immigrants or their representatives upon request. Once the application is completed, the department processes it and decides whether the candidate qualifies for nomination.

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