Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Strengthen Immigration Partnership

August 12, 2021—King’s Point, N.L. — The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have consistently collaborated to create a welcoming environment for newcomers, facilitating their settlement and prosperity in the province. A pivotal element in this collaboration is the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Agreement, originally signed in 2016. This agreement outlines the shared goals and provides a strategic framework for federal-provincial cooperation on immigration matters.

Extension of the Immigration Agreement

In a significant development, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, alongside the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced the extension of this vital immigration agreement. This extension is set to further solidify the partnership between the federal and provincial governments, ensuring that immigration strategies align with the province's specific needs, bolster its labor market, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of its communities.

This extended agreement will guide the federal-provincial relationship on immigration until July 31, 2022. It empowers the provincial government to nominate candidates who can significantly contribute to Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic and demographic objectives, while also aligning with broader federal immigration goals.

Complementing Regional Growth Strategies

The agreement is complemented by the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which includes the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP). Initiated in 2017, the AIP facilitates employers in Atlantic Canada in hiring skilled candidates for positions that have remained unfilled locally, marking a remarkable success in both attracting and retaining talent. As of May 2021, AIP employers have extended over 9,200 job offers across diverse sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare, welcoming more than 8,000 newcomers and their families to the region. An evaluation by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada revealed that over 90% of surveyed AIP newcomers remained in Atlantic Canada after one year.

Achievements and Future Prospects

In the current year, the AIP and Provincial Nominee Program have supported 275 new employees and 300 of their family members in their journey toward permanent residency in Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, nearly 400 individuals in the healthcare sector have been invited to apply for permanent residency through the Priority Skills NL pathway. The province is poised to extend similar invitations to professionals in the technology and aquaculture sectors shortly. The program’s success paves the way for the AIP to become a permanent fixture in 2022.

This continued commitment to immigration underscores the vital role newcomers play in the province’s economic and social fabric, highlighting the government's dedication to fostering a diverse and dynamic community. As both governments look towards the future, the sustained collaboration promises to enhance the province's appeal as a destination for immigrants, driving both economic growth and cultural enrichment.