Joint Statement – Board of Trade and Labrador North Chamber of Commerce Welcome Return of Economic Immigration Spaces, Emphasize Continued Action Needed

 

On behalf of the Board of Trade and Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, we are pleased with the reinstatement of 1,000 economic immigration spaces for Newfoundland and Labrador – a significant achievement that highlights the power of strong advocacy and collaboration.

This outcome reflects a shared commitment between government, industry, and the many employers across the province who supported our joint letter. The message was clear: welcoming immigrants is vital to addressing labour shortages, driving business growth, and strengthening our communities, particularly in rural regions of the province such as Labrador, that rely heavily on immigration for sustained growth. Access to reliable and responsive immigration programs will result in more opportunities for businesses to hire skilled workers, and more newcomers choosing Newfoundland and Labrador as their home.

While this progress is encouraging, there is still work to be done. We recognize continued efforts are required to further expand immigration pathways and ensure our province remains a competitive destination for talent. This relates specifically to the Atlantic Immigration Program where spaces have not yet been restored, significantly limiting the number of professionals we can attract to the province.

With continued collaboration, we will continue to champion and advocate for the unique needs of Newfoundland and Labrador businesses. Our collective goal is for broader and responsible immigration pathways to drive strong economic growth across the province.

                                       

AnnMarie Boudreau                                     Julianne Griffin
CEO                                                                CEO
Board of Trade                                             Labrador North Chamber of Commerce