This reduction, from 3,050 to 1,525 spaces, with only 25% allocated to international immigrants, poses a substantial challenge for the community and economy.
Online information sessions about recent cuts to immigration numbers are underway in this province. A decision by the federal government to reduce economic immigration spaces by 50% has raised significant concerns. This reduction, from 3,050 to 1,525 spaces, with only 25% allocated to international immigrants, poses a substantial challenge for the community and economy. Gabriel Williams is the province’s Director of Immigration. He says in 2023 they received 3,050 applications and almost filled the allocation that year. As such, they requested space for 3,510 last year but only received 3,050 and still reached 3,270 by the end of the year. Williams says there was room for more with a surplus of 700 applications that could not be supported.
Furthermore, Williams says this province’s allocation per population ratio is actually the lowest in Atlantic Canada at .56 percent. He says that’s significant since it’s actually the lowest of medium population provinces. Williams says NL is uniquely dependent on immigration pathways with 96 percent of all economic immigrants welcomed through these programs as of Nov 2024. He says the next highest is Nova Scotia with .88 percent.
Young people in western NL now have better local access to services for mental health, primary care, housing, employment, and community support. Becket Western NL, a new Integrated Youth Services (IYS) hub, has officially opened at Vine Place Community
Bay St. George RCMP is looking for security camera footage after a break in at Lourdes Superette.
The first day of spring has come and gone, and with the extended winter weather, means motorists can keep their studded tires on a little longer.
Tip of a possible impaired driver
Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP and Traffic Services West took three vehicles off the road and laid charges during a traffic initiative late last week.
