Joint Letter of Concern - Request for Meeting to Discuss Urgent Concerns Surrounding Immigration Allocations for Newfoundland and Labrador
January 20, 2025
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
cc: The Hon. Gudie Hutchings, MP Yvonne Jones, MP Ken McDonald,
The Hon. Seamus O'Regan, MP Churence Rogers, MP Clifford Small,
The Hon. Joanne Thompson
Delivered via email
Dear Minister Miller,
On behalf of the Board of Trade and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, we are writing to formally request an immediate meeting with you in Ottawa to discuss the recent federal reductions to immigration allocations and the significant impact it will have on businesses and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a time-sensitive concern that requires urgent attention.
The decision to reduce immigration allocations by 50 per cent has raised serious concerns among the provincial business community. This dramatic reduction will result in a significant and swift slowing of the economy, as the bulk of Newfoundland and Labrador’s population growth comes from immigration, and the new allocation does not account for the unique demographic and economic challenges faced by our province.
As skilled labour shortages are already straining key industries including healthcare, food service and hospitality, construction, and retail, among others, a strong and sustainable immigration strategy is essential for the long-term economic stability of our province. Businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador rely heavily on new Canadians to fill critical workforce gaps and to drive innovation and economic growth. Without a balanced immigration program based on unique regional labour force needs, as well as an efficient pathway for skilled workers, many businesses will struggle to remain competitive, while others will close entirely. Additionally, this reduction will force tough choices about which positions are most essential or critical to fill – a situation no province or employer should ever have to face.
The federal government’s rapidly reduced immigration targets will have a devastating impact on Labrador’s economy as the region heavily relies on economic immigration for growth. With the recent announcement of the new Churchill Falls agreement, including the development of Gull Island and future mining expansions, immigration is vital. It is imperative we focus on solutions that support growth rather than intensify an already compounding labour issue.
We urge the federal government to reconsider these cuts and adopt a more flexible, regionally focused approach to immigration policy. A one-size-fits-all reduction does not account for the economic realities and workforce needs of our province. Through constructive dialogue with our organizations and member businesses, we can work together to ensure immigration policies are designed to support regional economic development while aligning with national objectives.
Our organizations are committed to collaborating with the federal government to find solutions that benefit both businesses and residents in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Please confirm a suitable date and time for this important discussion. We look forward to your prompt response and to working together to support a strong, sustainable immigration strategy for our province.
Sincerely,
AnnMarie Boudreau
CEO
The Board of Trade
Julianne Griffin
CEO
Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
If you’d like to lend your support to our advocacy efforts, please reach out to add your name and business: sclowe@bot.nf.ca
Andrew Bell, President – Bell Group of Companies
Andrew Warr, General Manager – Nor-Lab Ltd.
Andy Turnbull, Chairperson – Labrador North Chamber of Commerce and CEO – Nunacor Development Corporation
Anne Whelan, CEO – Seafair
April Pike, Owner – Pike’s Home Hardware Building Centre and Pike’s Home Furniture
Calvin Ash, President – PAL Airlines and PAL Aerospace
Charlene Brophy, President & CEO – Fonemed
Craig Tucker, Co-Chair/Co-Owner – Keyin College
Darren Cooke, CEO – FireFly Metals
David Mitchell, CEO – Pennecon
Frank Coleman, President – Coleman Group of Companies
John Steele, President – Steele Hotels
Judy Sparkes-Giannou, Owner – Clayton Hospitality
Justin Ladha, CEO – KMK Capital Inc.
Kevin Casey, Chair – Board of Trade and Executive VP, Partner – Cal LeGrow Insurance & Financial Group
Marcel Stringer, General Manager – Terrington Co-op Food Market
Mark Collett, CEO – Crosbie
Martin Sullivan, CEO and Co-Chairman – Ocean Choice International
Mike Bannister, President & CEO – Atlantic Poultry Inc.
Natasha Voisey-Canning, General Manager – MRV Holdings Inc.
Peter Woodward, CEO – Woodward Group
Rob Everard, Franchise Owner – Tim Hortons (Happy Valley-Goose Bay)
Stacey Woodward, General Manager – Hamilton Stores
