Disturbing images such as those currently coming from Afghanistan, leave many asking what can be done to assist people seeking refuge from the horrors of war and persecution. Today, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, announced support for the Association for New Canadians to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians interested in personally sponsoring refugees.
The announcement took place by the Global Eats Food Truck, a social enterprise operated by the Association for New Canadians to train and give food service work experience to people who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador as refugees.
This support of more than $110,000 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Settlement and Integration Program will fund a Private Sponsorship Coordinator to assist and guide individuals and groups interested in sponsoring refugees to Newfoundland and Labrador, and also help those interested in private sponsorship to reunite with family.
The Federal Government, through Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada is solely responsible for the private sponsorship of refugees. The Private Sponsorship Coordinator position can help people navigate the sometimes challenging pathway to successful sponsorship.
This position supports the Provincial Government’s commitment to minimize the challenges faced by newcomers, their families, employers, and organizations. It is one of many actions in support of efforts to triple immigration to 5,100 new permanent residents every year by 2026 such as:
- Supporting 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.
- Developing 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.
- Launching promotional and marketing campaigns focused on attracting prospective residents from other parts of Canada and around the world.
- Increasing 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.
- Adding 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.
- Increasing training for Provincial Government staff to better support newcomers.
Quotes
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are caring and generous, and when they see others in difficulty, always rise to the occasion to lend a helping hand. The Association for New Canadians has long personified this giving and welcoming spirit, and the Provincial Government is pleased to support this effort to channel the efforts of people who see others in difficulty and want to do something to help.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills
“The ANC has sponsored more than 500 refugees to Newfoundland and Labrador in the last five years. This very welcome announcement from the Provincial Government will allow us to continue the very important work of sponsoring refugees and reuniting families.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians
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Learn more
Government of Canada Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program
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Media contacts
John Tompkins
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Jean Graham
Association for New Canadians
709-552-8462, 709-749-1018
jean.graham@ancnl.ca