The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

Speaker, 2024 was another record-breaking year for provincial immigration.

We welcomed close to 6,000 new permanent residents, helping to grow our population to the highest level since 1998. Newcomers to our province are filling crucial roles as doctors, nurses, personal care attendants, early childhood educators, social workers, tradespeople, entrepreneurs and much more. Newcomers are helping our communities thrive.

To ensure momentum continues, in January, we became the first province to successfully negotiate a reversal of federal immigration cuts. This work secured the return of 1,000 economic immigration spaces for 2025. We are continuing this meaningful work and advocating for more capacity and flexibility.

Speaker, we are not only committed to welcoming more newcomers in critical sectors, but we are committed to ensuring their long-term success in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our efforts are encouraging our new friends and neighbours to stay here for the long-term. Over 80 per cent of Ukrainians arriving since 2022 remain in the province. Additionally, this year, we experienced unprecedented demand for our settlement and integration programs, funding 57 projects across the province.

By investing in immigration and workforce development, we are addressing our demographic challenges and preparing for the economic opportunities of tomorrow.

We are building a skilled and educated workforce.

Thank you.