The plan of the federal government this year is to double the allocation of employment-based immigrant intake for Newfoundland and Labrador. In other words, permanent residency spots in this province will increase from 1,500 to 3,050 during 2023.
Canadian Visa Professionals reported that this plan was made because the province filled all its immigration spaces earlier than scheduled last year. As a result, the area saw its largest population increase since 1971 in 2022.
The province’s Immigration Minister, Gerry Byrne, stated that population increase is driven by migration from other countries. Migration from other provinces in Canada also aids the population growth.
Immigration Applications Earlier This Year
Last fall, Byrne criticized the federal government of Canada for lack of support. He stated that Sean Fraser, his federal counterpart, had refused to approve a past request for an increase in immigrant spaces.
Due to this action, the agenda couldn’t progress. With Byrne’s meeting with Fraser, an agreement was reached to raise the Canadian immigration spaces in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023.
Canadian Visa Professionals stated that the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, Sean Fraser, responded positively. At the same time, he stated that there is a likelihood for more increases in the coming years.
The backlog of applications the provincial government had from 2022 was submitted at the start of the year. The first month in 2023 is thus the largest month in history that Newfoundland and Labrador will present a book of applications to Ottawa, Byrne said.
"Last fall, Byrne criticized the federal government of Canada for lack of support. He stated that Sean Fraser, his federal counterpart, had refused to approve a past request for an increase in immigrant spaces."
Considerations to Make While Attracting More Immigrants
The immigrant intake in Newfoundland and Labrador is set to be doubled this year. This is a good development. Jim Dinn, NDP Leader, stated that housing, transportation and the K-12 school system are areas of concern affected by an influx of immigrants. Also, there should be collaboration to combat the challenges that newcomers are encountering.
