“The province can attribute this immigration boost to a number of successful immigration efforts such as the provincial nominee programs, recruitment of foreign students and family reunifications,” said Minister Campbell. “The province has seen annual immigration numbers grow from the hundreds to the thousands between 2002 and 2009.”

The Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning is a strong supporter of the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC), the Island’s main settlement agency. The PEIANC was founded in 1993 as a non-profit organization offering short-term settlement services and long-term inclusion and community integration. They provide a variety of programs and services for newcomers including Canadian Life Skills Training and employment services. They also provide multicultural education and promote cross-cultural awareness.

In 2010, the PEIANC registered over 1800 new clients including approximately 60 government assisted refugees. They recently expanded their services with an online newcomers guide offering multilingual information and advice on settlement, citizenship, employment and more.

“Partnerships with organizations like the PEI Association for Newcomers to PEI are vital for immigration growth,” said Minister Campbell. “Thanks to their hard work we can be confident that individuals who come to our province will find welcome and reliable advice and the help they need to make a new life in PEI.”