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The federal government of Canada and Prince Edward Island, one of the four Atlantic coast provinces, have signed an immigration agreement which will make it easier for the province to attract more skilled international workers.
The new deal, announced by Canadian immigration minister Diane Finley and Allan Campbell, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Learning, replaces a previous agreement signed in 2001. It sets out the roles and responsibilities in immigration matters, including several new provisions aimed at keeping abreast of Prince Edward Island's changing economic, social, and demographic needs.
One such provision will allow the province to bring more immigrants under Canada's Provincial Nominee Program, which allows many provinces to nominate immigrants who possess the skills they need for quicker processing by the federal government.
In addition, Prince Edward Island and the Canadian government will share more information and develop and implement strategies to make it easier for immigrants to integrate into society. This includes improving the process for recognizing credentials earned overseas.
Prince Edward Island and the Canadian government will also work together in marketing Prince Edward Island to people overseas who are thinking about immigrating to Canada, including temporary workers and foreign students.
"The Government of Canada believes in immigration and the signing of today's new agreement means Prince Edward Island has an immigration agreement that is tailored to the province's unique needs and priorities," said Minister Finley.
"This will ensure that the province is able to select the number of immigrants it needs to meet labour market demands and build a stronger economy," she added.
"We are very pleased to renew this immigration agreement with the federal government," said Minister Campbell. "It gives the province the authority we need to attract new immigrants who will meet gaps in our labour market and help boost our declining population."
