Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
March 29, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour:

Minister Byrne Celebrates Launch of Immigration Action Plan

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the recent launch of The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador, the province’s five-year plan for increasing immigrant attraction and retention.

It was my pleasure to launch this plan at Verafin, an industry-leading software provider proudly based in this province. Verafin’s team includes talent from different parts of the world, including individuals who have received permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program. This made it a fitting location to launch an action plan based on collaboration, engagement, and partnership.

Immigrants enrich our culture, bring valued skills, and contribute to economic growth throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including rural and remote areas. In fact, immigrants to the province live in 78 different communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. This action plan is the province’s roadmap to increase immigration by 50 per cent, welcoming approximately 1,700 newcomers annually by 2022. Reaching this target requires working more closely with our key partners, including employers, communities, service providers, post-secondary institutions, and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

We all have a role to play in making Newfoundland and Labrador a destination of choice for newcomers. Together, we can build an even more economically, socially, and culturally vibrant province.

2017 03 29                              2:25 p.m.