Premier Andrew Furey says he understands and recognizes the “significant demographic challenges” faced by the province and that government must act swiftly to address it.
Furey today vowed to build Newfoundland and Labrador’s population by tripling immigration targets to address the aging and shrinking population.
He intends to align the provincial immigration goal with that across Canada—welcoming newcomers at rate of approximately one per cent of current population.
He’s also committing to implementing what he calls a suite of immigration policies.
That includes expanding opportunities to allow newcomers to feel a greater sense of belonging in their communities through culturally-specific social and recreational activities as well as creating opportunities for spouses and families to work.