NLIS 5
May 12, 2005
(Human Resources, Labour and Employment)
 

Minister announces development of a provincial immigration strategy

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE), announced today that government will take a more aggressive approach to attracting and retaining immigrants to Newfoundland and Labrador. HRLE will embark on the development of a strategy to increase the number of immigrants who choose to make this province their home.

"Very few immigrants come to Newfoundland and Labrador annually, and many do not stay," said Minister Burke. "A strategy will consider what we need to have in place in order for potential immigrants to bring their skills and expertise to this province and make it their permanent home."

Newfoundland and Labrador attracts only approximately 400 immigrants annually and the province retains only about 36 per cent. Most immigrants to Canada settle in large urban areas such as Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver where they contribute to the economic, social and cultural development of those cities. In recent years, governments have expressed an interest in spreading the benefits of immigration to all regions of Canada.

As the government of Canada moves to review its overall immigration framework, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador will position itself to maximize the benefits that can be gained by increased immigration. "We need to get the word out that Newfoundland and Labrador is a great place to live, work and raise a family," noted Minister Burke. "Many immigrants have established themselves in rural areas, providing much-needed medical services or starting businesses which employ local residents. There is significant potential for increased immigration to contribute to the revitalization of some areas of the province."

Increasingly, immigration is recognized as a key contributor to economic growth, increased creativity and innovation. Immigration also contributes to population growth and cultural diversity. Other jurisdictions in Canada are now viewing increased immigration as one means to address issues such as a declining population and skill shortages in the labour market. Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia have recently announced their immigration strategies, and Manitoba is well along with its strategy which is already showing success.

Newfoundland and Labrador already has many strengths on which to build. The Association for New Canadians (ANC), a settlement agency funded largely by the federal government, has been providing quality settlement and integration services to newcomers for over 25 years. There is also a Coordinating Committee for Newcomer Integration (CCNI) with representation from a number of federal and provincial government departments, the Harris Centre of Memorial University, the ANC, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the City of St. John�s.

The Association for New Canadians is excited about the development of an immigration strategy. "I am delighted to see the province taking this very important step, and am optimistic that our continued cooperative efforts will go a long way to supporting the effective inclusion and integration of immigrants into the province," said Bridget Foster, Executive Director.

A provincial immigration strategy will complement the efforts of Memorial University to attract additional international students. "Memorial University offers top-quality academic programs and cultural experiences to international students," said Dr. Axel Meisen, the university�s president. "When they graduate, these international students represent a pool of highly-skilled and well-educated potential immigrants who have a deep familiarity with the province and all it has to offer."

The immigration strategy will be developed in consultation with the federal government, other provincial government departments, business and labour groups, multicultural organizations and educational institutions. It is anticipated that a strategy will include initiatives to raise awareness around the benefits of immigration, promotion of the province as a desirable destination for potential immigrants, enhancement of settlement services in the province, and a "welcoming communities" strategy aimed at increasing retention. The province acknowledges the support of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada for this initiative and a funding contribution from the Labour Market Development Agreement.

The next step will be the release of a discussion paper on immigration in June followed by consultations with key stakeholders in the fall. Members of the general public will also be invited to provide feedback through a Web site, e-mail, or regular mail.

Media Contact: Jacqueline Howard, 709 729-4062, 689-2624

2005 05 12                          12:35 p.m.
 


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