Exploring the Meaning of “Welcoming Communities” for Immigrants in Newfoundland and Labrador

Sullivan, Anne Marie and Ring, Kathleen and Harris, Savannah (2009) Exploring the Meaning of “Welcoming Communities” for Immigrants in Newfoundland and Labrador. Project Report. The Harris Centre.

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Abstract

Atlantic Canadian communities consider immigration from outside of Canada to be a viable solution to problems associated with its aging population and population decline, but this region has had limited success in attracting immigrants who remain in the region throughout their lives (Akbari, 2005; Bruce, 2007). In 2007, the provincial government of Newfoundland & Labrador launched a Provincial Immigration Strategy designed to increase the number of immigrants coming to and staying in NL. Like other Atlantic Canadian provinces, NL faces low birth rates and an aging population with a high number of baby boomers ready to retire. In addition to these challenges, NL is poised to launch major resource development initiatives requiring significant manpower. One aspect of the dilemma NL faces in attracting and retaining immigrants that has not received a great deal of attention is the way in which communities welcome immigrants, and how a welcoming community may enhance social engagement, and one’s sense of inclusion in the host community which in turn may in turn lead to long term residency. This research is part of a larger study of social engagement and inclusion of immigrants in Atlantic Canada. The intention of this research is to begin the work on the NL part of the project by compiling community profiles in NL. The larger project has been submitted to the SSHRC and to the Atlantic Metropolis Centre.

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