The Population Secretariat has released the Prince Edward Island Newcomers Guide, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.

The guide offers helpful information on a variety of subjects related to settling on Prince Edward Island, such as how to buy or rent a home, get a driver’s licence or enroll children in the school system.

“Newcomers to Prince Edward Island add a lot to the cultural and economic life of the province,” said Minister Campbell. “The Newcomers Guide will be a great resource to help new Islanders build a comfortable life on Prince Edward Island.”

The information in the guide was developed through consultation with a variety of groups representing new Islanders, and contains information that is useful for both international immigrants and Canadian newcomers from other provinces. The guide will be available in French and English.

“Government is working to increase the Island population and attract newcomers whose skills can contribute to our economic prosperity,” said Minister Campbell. “Providing quality information will make the transition to our province easier and improve our success in retaining newcomers.

International migration has been a strong contributor to the province’s recent population growth. Statistics Canada announced that PEI’s population grew 0.23 per cent in its first quarter, which was its largest first-quarter increase in its population since 1983.

The guide is available electronically or ordered in hard copy at the Innovation & Advanced Learning website www.gov.pe.ca/ial under “Publications,” or through the Association for Newcomers at (902) 628-6009.