Rising Tides of Change: How Immigration is Shaping Newfoundland and Labrador's Future
The Canadian government has increased the immigrant allocation for Newfoundland and Labrador under its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The yearly immigration spaces have been doubled from 1,500 to 3,050 people. According to provincial Immigration Minister, Gerry Byrne,
"this change, along with their families, represents a capacity of 6,700 newcomers being able to be nominated annually."
In terms of population growth, Newfoundland and Labrador saw a significant increase in new permanent residents settling in the province. The province welcomed 3,495 new permanent residents in 2022, a 70.9% increase from the 2,045 new immigrants who moved to this province the previous year. In the first few months of 2023, the province welcomed 1,585 new permanent residents. As reported by +1News, "If this immigration rate holds steady, the province could potentially welcome as many as 9,510 new immigrants this year."
This growth in immigration marks a more than threefold increase in Newfoundland and Labrador’s immigration levels since 2015 when the province welcomed only 1,120 newcomers. This influx of immigrants is reversing a previous trend of demographic decline in this province. The province's population hit a 20-year high of 531,948 at the start of the year.
The province has also been experiencing a positive trend in its population growth. Statistics Canada data reaffirms this upward trend, with Newfoundland and Labrador’s population increasing by over 12,000 residents over seven consecutive quarters. Enrolment of children in schools is increasing for the first time in 50 years.
In terms of refugees and asylum seekers, Newfoundland and Labrador are actively welcoming talented individuals from South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and other regions where systemic persecution exists. The province is home to a vibrant and growing Muslim community of over 7,500 individuals, who are now a crucial part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s future.
In recent years, federal and provincial ministers have been advocating for a more substantial say in immigrant selection, more input into the modernization of the Express Entry system, and an expansion of their PNP allocations. These efforts have led to increased immigration allocations for several provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador.
Looking ahead, Canada's proactive approach to immigration is expected to continue. As part of the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has set a target of welcoming 465,000 new permanent residents this year, with Newfoundland and Labrador playing a key part in that vision. By 2025, Canada is projected to welcome another 500,000 new permanent residents, amounting to a total of 1.45 million newcomers over the next three years. This forward-thinking plan is a testament to Canada’s dedication to building a diverse society, with Newfoundland and Labrador standing at the forefront of this transformative journey.
Source article: https://plus1news.ca/blog/newfoundland-and-labradors-pnp-immigration-allocation/