The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour:

Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honour to rise today in this Honourable House to highlight the significant success our government and its partners throughout the province have achieved in increasing immigration.

We launched the province’s Immigration Action Plan in 2017 with a goal of 1,700 new permanent residents annually by 2022. Since then, immigration has increased nearly 40 per cent. In 2019, Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed 1,850 new permanent residents and our government increased its 2022 target to 2,500 new permanent residents annually.

Mr. Speaker, we all know that COVID-19 has presented challenges; challenges which extend to our immigration outcomes. As one would anticipate with borders closed, COVID-19 has severely impacted the manner in which people can safely move into Canada and into Newfoundland and Labrador

Despite these challenges and a delay in application processing times by the Federal Government, our Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism continues to process applications from employers hiring newcomers who want to invest their time and talents right here.

We are pleased to continue welcoming newcomers, who make an important contribution to the social, cultural, and economic growth of Newfoundland and Labrador, including promoting innovation, creativity, and diversity of thought.

The skills and work experiences immigrants bring to Newfoundland and Labrador enable employers throughout the province to fill key positions, and allows us to compete in the global marketplace.

Furthermore, immigrants create businesses and jobs for longtime residents, building upon a history of innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of this Honourable House to join me in thanking our partners for their ongoing efforts to help our province welcome new residents and make them feel at home.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.