New initiatives through The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador will enhance ongoing efforts to encourage more newcomers to live, work and stay in the province.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced 24 new Immigration Action Plan initiatives identified through the Minister’s Roundtable on Immigration, as well as input from newcomers and other partners throughout the province.

These initiatives aim to increase newcomer attraction and retention through concerted action by all levels of government, employers, communities, and residents. This includes:

• Establishing an introductory orientation to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Indigenous Peoples;
• Supporting migrant workers in their efforts to become Permanent Residents in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Collaborating with Industry and Sector Organizations to Promote Entrepreneurship Categories in the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program; and,
• Promoting mentorship opportunities between employers facing workforce shortages and employers who have successfully used immigration programs.

A comprehensive description of all 24 new initiatives is available here .

Since 2017, the number of individuals supported toward permanent residency by the Provincial Government has increased by over 25 per cent. Preliminary data for 2018 indicates 1,525 individuals became permanent residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, representing 90 per cent of the The Way Forward 2022 target of 1,700 newcomers annually.

These initiatives deliver on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and deliver better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“Working together to support newcomer integration and long-term retention is the key focus of our efforts for year three of the Immigration Action Plan. I look forward to continued partnership and collaboration with employers, service providers, communities, and residents as we work to expand the cultural, social, and economic life of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

“The St. Johns’ Farmers Market is happy to be a supportive partner in recognizing and celebrating cultural diversity in this province. With vendors originating from more than 15 different countries, we have the honour of supporting newcomer enterprise and being able to offer a venue where all people can come together as a community to share experiences and learn from each other. We congratulate the department in recognizing the value that immigration can play in this province, not just for newcomers, but for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Pamela Anstey
Executive Director, St. John’s Farmers’ Market Cooperative

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Learn more
2019-20 Immigration Action Plan Initiatives 

Immigration Action Plan Progress Report 

The Way Forward on Immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador 

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Media contacts
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
RyanCrocker@gov.nl.ca

Pam Anstey
St. John’s Farmers’ Market Cooperative
ed@sjfm.ca