The Provincial Government today provided details of Budget 2021 investments that support population growth by welcoming more newcomers than ever before, while working to ensure a smoother, quicker and more efficient path to Canadian citizenship.
The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, made the announcement today in St. John’s.
Budget 2021 includes investments to support population growth by increasing immigration and welcoming 5,100 newcomers annually by 2026, including:
- $2.4 million in provincial and federal funding to support integration and settlement of newcomers, including employment and training, foreign qualification recognition, language training, cultural supports, and other initiatives to help newcomers adapt to their new home and foster a sense of belonging.
- More than $2 million over the next two years for a new online application system to make it easier and faster for newcomers to Canada to settle in Newfoundland and Labrador. The system will be user-centered, with enhanced functionality for applicants and employers.
- $2 million for promotional and marketing campaigns focused on attracting prospective residents from other parts of Canada and around the world.
- $1 million for additional immigration staff, including personnel to assist employers with immigration, and to help newcomers navigate the immigration system. Staff will also enhance employee capacity in settlement and integration, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
- $357,000 for additional English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors in the K-12 school system, building on investment in additional ESL hires from the two previous budgets.
- $100,000 to provide additional training for provincial government staff to better support newcomers.
Quotes
“To meet the challenge of an aging and declining population, this government is putting out the welcome mat like never before. We are investing to ensure we do more to attract and retain newcomers, so they feel welcome, safe, and inspired to stay in Newfoundland and Labrador. Budget 2021 sets us on the right course for population growth, while celebrating the province’s growing diversity and expanding communities.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“We are exceptionally well-positioned to meet this government’s stated commitment to welcome 5,100 newcomers a year by 2026. Budget 2021 investments show amazing opportunities to advance the great work being done by immigration and multiculturalism staff. This commitment is indicative of the value our government places on our collective efforts to support population growth, both through workforce development and attracting people from Canada and beyond to come here to live, work and raise a family.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
“As we continue to attract more immigrants to the province between now and 2026, we will continue to evaluate our supports at the school level, and will continue to prioritize investments that ensure that newcomer students are given every opportunity to thrive and feel welcome in our communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education
“I am excited to see Budget 2021 feature investments that take a holistic approach and support culturally diverse communities and newcomers on multiple levels. Increased funding and enhanced services will have a positive impact on the integration of newcomers, from those who are just beginning their journey to citizenship to individuals and families who are established here but still require supports to engage in their community. Celebrating our diverse cultures and eliminating racism and systemic barriers are necessary to create a true sense of belonging.”
Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe
Founder and CEO, Sharing Our Cultures
“We are so pleased to partner with the Provincial Government on efforts to attract, settle and retain newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador. This important investment in programs and services will go a long way in ensuring communities are poised to welcome talented and skilled individuals from around the world.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians
“In the next four to five years, 2,000 new jobs are expected in the tech sector and currently there are not enough skilled workers to fill them. Together with stakeholders, techNL is working on a multipronged approach to increase the number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who can step into these key rolls, however these efforts alone will not fill the gaps. Immigration is a critical component for an effective Tech Talent Strategy and can help our province’s technology and innovation economy grow and thrive.”
Paul Preston
CEO, techNL
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
John Tompkins
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Lloydetta Quaicoe, PhD, O.N.L.
Founder and CEO, Sharing Our Cultures, Inc.
709 726-1504, 727-2372
lloydetta@sharingourcultures.com
Jean Graham
Association for New Canadians
709 749-1018
jgraham@ancnl.ca
Marlayne Hardy (she/her)
Director, Innovation Programs
techNL (formerly NATI)
709-330-7122
marlayne@techNL.ca