Provincial Government Launches Population Growth Strategy

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today released Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025. The strategy is a government-wide approach for supporting individuals and families who choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their home. Through four five-year action plans focused on workforce, families, communities and immigration, the strategy will highlight everything that Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer.

“This comprehensive strategy reflects our government’s vision to encourage people to choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their home and to support the long-term sustainability of our communities and regions. We will work with our community partners and make important investments that support family-friendly communities, economic and community development, and encourage population growth.”
– The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

In support of this strategy, which will be implemented through funding of more than $29 million over five years, the Provincial Government launched the Strategy Framework, outlining the rationale and key steps for the strategy. The lifespan of the strategy will stretch over a decade given the complex nature of the actions required to encourage population growth. The Provincial Government also launched the Home for Good campaign to help create awareness of the opportunities to live and work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Feedback obtained through our consultations pointed to the need to promote our province and the economic and lifestyle opportunities available for individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. Home for Good does just that. Coupled with the strategy, it also provides families, residents of all ages, students and people living outside the province with the right information about our communities, supports and labour market to help them make informed decisions about their home of choice.”
– The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

The mission of the Population Growth Strategy is that by 2025, in collaboration with community and other partners, government will create an environment conducive to population stability and growth by introducing further supports for workforce development, families, communities, and immigration.

“Sharing our Cultures commends the Provincial Government on the release of the Population Growth Strategy. Efforts to increase immigration and promote cultural diversity in our beautiful province are key to sustaining economic growth and innovation – ultimately helping to attract more people to come and stay and raise their families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
– Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe, Founder and Program Coordinator of Sharing our Cultures

This strategy has required considerable dialogue and engagement with industry and community partners. The Provincial Government will continue this dialogue through a number of avenues, including workforce development roundtable sessions to be held across the province. Dates for these sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Our association is pleased with the release of the Population Growth Strategy, which includes a key focus on a bright future for employers and the construction sector as a whole. We look forward to continue working in partnership with the Provincial Government to help meet the needs of the labour market, as well as finding new ways to assist local companies in their efforts to retain skilled workers.”
– Ed LeGrow, Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association

A Facebook page has been created to enhance public interaction and get feedback and suggestions about the strategy. Please visit: www.facebook.com/populationgrowth.nl .

Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025 is available at www.aes.gov.nl.ca.

QUICK FACTS

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today released Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025.
• In support of this strategy, the Provincial Government is releasing four five-year action plans for the period of 2015 to 2020 covering the key factors of population growth – workforce, families, communities and immigration.
• A Facebook page has been created to enhance public interaction and get feedback and suggestions about the strategy at: www.facebook.com/populationgrowth.nl .
• Live Here, Work Here, Belong Here, A Population Growth Strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador, 2015-2025 is available at www.aes.gov.nl.ca.

– 30 –

Media contacts: