A new report by the Auditor General of Canada found that despite efforts to improve immigration application processing times, most of those who have applied for permanent residence to Canada are still waiting a long time.

The AG report found that privately-sponsored refugees wait 30 months on average for a decision on their application, while overseas spouses or common-law partners waited up to 15 months to be reunited with their loved ones.

That’s long been a concern for provincial Immigration minister Gerry Byrne, as Newfoundland and Labrador works to build on the number of newcomers.

He says there is a national problem that has to be addressed, which is why this province has been advocating for greater control over immigration.

Byrne says provinces like NL need to be granted greater control and spaces for immigration. “We’re batting 1,000,” says Byrne in reference to the province’s ongoing efforts.

Last year the province was able to double its immigration spaces from the federal government says Byrne, and speed up their processing time.

According to Stats Canada, the population has grown by over 12,000 people over the last 30 months.