Canada Immigration Visas

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced an new Agreement for Canada – Prince Edward Island Co-operation in conjunction with PEI’s Minister of Innovation and Advanced learning.

The new agreement is geared towards making it easier for the province to attract a greater number of skilled workers from abroad, whilst processing applications more quickly and increasing its Francophone community.

“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 Immigration Minister Diane Finley.

She continued: “The focus of the Prince Edward Island agreement is the removal of limits in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), collaboration on overseas marketing initiatives, and the targeted use of the PNP to attract and retain Francophone immigrants. 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.”

Allan Campbell, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development for Prince Edward Island said: “We are very pleased to renew this immigration agreement with the federal government. 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.”

The key points outlined in the new agreement are as follows:

- Prince Edward Island will be able to address particular social, demographic, economic development and labour market needs.

- Prince Edward Island will be able to nominate more immigrants possessing the skills needed in the province, for quicker processing by the Government of Canada.

- Prince Edward Island and Canada will work together to share information and to develop and implement strategies to better integrate immigrants into the labour market. This includes improving the process for the recognition of foreign credentials.

- Canada and Prince Edward Island will enhance their cooperation in overseas immigration marketing initiatives, including bringing temporary foreign workers and students to the province.

- There will be increased encouragement for the recruitment and retention of Francophone immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program.

Increased immigration will help boost the population of Prince Edward Island and will provide must needed skills that will benefit local business and industry.