Landing and Settling in Newfoundland and Labrador

Table of Contents

• Overview
• What are the benefits of living in Newfoundland and Labrador?
• Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Commuting in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Employment in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Education in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Weather in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Emergency services in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Newcomer services in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Taxation in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Contact CanadaVisa and Cohen Immigration Law for Assistance

Overview

What are the benefits of living in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The benefits of living in Newfoundland and Labrador include the province’s affordability, cultural richness, safety, proximity to nature, and respect for education. Locals are recognised for their affable and warm character; and the cost of living is quite economical compared to many large Canadian cities. There are plentiful opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture, including the Beothuk's heritage, known to be North-America's oldest living culture. Additionally, Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its folk art and music, such as tin whistle and quilting.

The province provides ample employment opportunities across various sectors and spanning small and large pay scales. Housing is likewise cost-effective, with a high local standard of living. A particularly attractive benefit is the province's low crime rate, making it a safe living environment. Residents have easy access to the ocean, perfect for aquatic enthusiasts. The availability of long nature trails provides a fantastic opportunity for explorers and those wanting to connect more with nature. The education standards are high, with institutions like the Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Marine Institute located in Newfoundland and Labrador. Lastly, communities throughout the province are known to be closely knit and hospitable, making it a welcoming place for newcomers.

Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador is often noted for its affordable housing prices for renters and buyers alike. Due to the centralisation of the province’s population, most of these housing options can be found in the capital city of St. John’s.

The city features a variety of housing options including apartment condominiums, semi and fully detached homes, townhouses and more. In addition, the province features a number of waterfront properties due to its coastal geography, making it a popular place for vacation homes as well.

Both the city of St. John’s and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole offer affordable housing options as well, to support both renters and house-buyers.

Newfoundland runs several programs for affordable housing including the:

• Rental Housing Program;
• Home Energy Savings Program (HESP);
• Home Modification Program (HMP);
• Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP);

The city of St. John’s also runs its own affordable housing programs, non-profit housing. Eligibility for these programs is based on an individual’s income, which needs to be proved through accepted documents.

Commuting in Newfoundland and Labrador

Commuting in Newfoundland and Labrador depends largely on where you live and your budget. Walking and biking are feasible means of commuting if you live close to your workplace or school, but these methods can be hard during winter. Taxis are another convenient option often used for groceries and nights out. Many people, if their budget permits, choose to use their personal cars as the primary mode of transportation.

Public transportation is available in some areas, with St. John’s and nearby regions (Mount Pearl, and Paradise) are served by Metrobus, while Corner Brook Transit services Corner Brook and its surrounding areas. These services are governed by their relevant city transport commissions.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s main airports are St. John’s International Airport, and Gander International Airport, which fly to select destinations in Canada and the United States. Due to the province’s far-eastern location many visitors choose to arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador via air travel.

Lastly, though the province is not connected via train to the rest of Canada (due to its geography), there are ferry options to travel from Nova Scotia (the closest province to the south of Newfoundland and Labrador) for those who choose to drive. For more information on driving in Canada, visit our dedicated webpage here.

Employment in Newfoundland and Labrador

Job prospects in Newfoundland and Labrador are varied, with high demand for roles particularly in petroleum engineering, civil engineering, mining engineering, system analysis, and accountancy. The major employment sectors include mining, real estate and rental and leasing, and healthcare and social assistance, among others.

However, the province's unemployment rate tends to be higher than the national average, varying between 12-14%. Top employers in the region consist of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Cenovus Energy Inc., Walmart Inc., and Memorial University.

Job prospects can differ slightly from provincial trends in the capital city St. John's, which is the province's primary hub for government, education, and commerce-related jobs. The city also hosts most of the province's offshore energy sector and ocean technology industry. Among the most prominent industries with a high employment rate in St. John’s are health care and social assistance, wholesale and retail trade, public administration, educational services, and professional, scientific and technical services.

The provincial minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador is $14.50—putting the province on par to many others in Canada in terms of pay—with increases set to happen later in 2023.

Healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador

Healthcare in Newfoundland and Labrador is primarily managed through the publicly administered Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan (MCP) which was established on April 1, 1969. The MCP provides extensive public medical care insurance, covering the costs of insured physician services for the province's residents who satisfy eligibility requirements. The plan also covers insured medical services received in hospitals under the Hospital Insurance Plan (HIP).

Central to accessing services under the MCP is the MCP health card. This is a personal identification card that beneficiaries must present when receiving insured healthcare services. This includes visits to doctors, hospitals, clinics, or medical facilities. If a card is not presented, beneficiaries may risk being billed directly by the healthcare provider or even denied service.

Eligibility for the MCP requires residency in the province, as defined by the Medical Care and Hospital Insurance Act. Eligible persons must also present a valid MCP card when receiving insured services. Residents who fail to present the card could face direct billing from the medical provider or potentially service denial.

There are certain categories of individuals not eligible for MCP including residents of other Canadian provinces or territories staying in Newfoundland and Labrador for less than a year, post-secondary students from other provinces or territories, certain international workers and students, tourists, Canadian Armed Forces members, armed forces personnel of other countries, and federal prison inmates.

MCP registration requires proof of residence in Newfoundland and Labrador, such as employment letters, rental leases, mortgage documents, documentation of province residency from the Canada Revenue Agency, a passport with a local address, or utility bills.

For more information on healthcare in Canada, feel free to visit our dedicated healthcare page here. 

Education in Newfoundland and Labrador

In Newfoundland and Labrador, education starts between the ages of 5-6, with students passing through Kindergarten then advancing to grades 1-12. Schools in the region, which include primary, elementary, junior high, and high school, are majorly public-funded, except for four private schools. Public schools' daily operations are managed by the region's two school districts funded by the Department of Education; the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District and the Conseil Scolaire Francophone. A good number of English schools also have French immersion programs.

Newfoundland and Labrador also boast a robust post-secondary education system. Both public and private institutions offer a wide variety of courses, awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Universities provide bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with some institutions recognised for their specialised research facilities, while colleges can provide degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Notable among these in Newfoundland and Labrador, are Memorial University of Newfoundland and College of the North Atlantic. The academic year runs from September to April, divided into two semesters, with some institutions offering spring and summer sessions. Public colleges in the region offer vocationally-oriented programs in multiple professional and technical fields.

A few specialised institutes focus on training in single fields like art, fisheries, paramedical technology, or agriculture, with some also offering bachelor's and applied degree programs.

International students should note that they can only attend post-secondary institutions that are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)—these are the only schools that are authorized to accept international students in Canada. To learn more about education in Canada, visit our dedicated webpage here.

Weather in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador, two areas of the province separated by the Strait of Belle Isle, exhibit unique weather patterns due to their marine climates. Newfoundland typically experiences moderate temperatures, with summer averages of 16°C and winters averaging around 0°C.

Labrador, however, has a harsher winter climate with a pleasant summer that can reach up to 25°C. The mean temperature in July varies across the province, ranging from 5 to 10 °C in northern Labrador to around 15 °C on the southern coast of Newfoundland. In contrast, January mean temperatures generally stay above -7 °C in the southern part of Newfoundland and on the coast of Labrador, but drop to around -18 °C in the north and to -26 °C in the interior western part of Labrador.

While extreme low temperatures below -40 °C are not uncommon in western Labrador, they are quite rare in southern Newfoundland. Annual precipitation across the province ranges from 1,400 mm in the southern parts of Newfoundland to about 430 mm at Cape Chidley on the northern tip of the Labrador Peninsula. In northern areas, snow can make up half of the annual precipitation, while in the south it usually accounts for only about one-fifth.

The climate is greatly influenced by mid-latitude storms sweeping across Canada and along the Atlantic seaboard. Dense fogs are frequent over the Grand Banks and along the southern and southeastern coasts of Newfoundland due to the mix of cool air from the Labrador Current with warmer air from the Gulf Stream. Despite the weather's unpredictability, a constant is the fresh sea air that permeates the province.

For more information on how to dress appropriately for Canada’s weather, find our dedicated webpage here.

Emergency Services in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador should take note of key emergency contacts in the event of unforeseen circumstances. As always in the case of life-threatening, immediate medical or security emergencies always call 911.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) (Non-Emergency Line: (709) 729-8000, or per your municipal location) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (Non-Emergency Line: (800) 709-7267) are the primary law enforcement agencies in the province.

For medical information, individuals can reach out to the HealthLine at 811 for health advice from registered nurses 24/7. For issues related to poison exposure, the Poison Control Centre at (866) 727-1110 can provide essential guidance. In addition, the Emergency Management Office, reachable at (709) 729-3703, can be contacted to cope with disasters and significant emergencies.

In St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, several specific emergency contacts can be noted. The St. John’s Regional Fire Department, which offers emergency services beyond firefighting, can be reached at (709) 576-8644 for non-emergencies. For urgent medical needs, the Health Sciences Centre Emergency Department can be contacted at (709) 777-6335. The City of St. John's itself provides municipal enforcement including animal control, parking control and other city bylaw enforcement at (709) 576-4141. If you encounter a water or sewer emergency, the City of St. John's Water and Wastewater Division can be reached at (709) 754-1400.

Newcomer Services in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador offers a variety of settlement services for newcomers, which are designed to help them integrate into Canadian society. These services are primarily provided by Immigrant Settlement Agencies, which assist immigrants and refugees on various fronts. They offer interpretation and counselling services and help with immigration problems, job searches, finding housing, or English classes.

A key organisation offering newcomer services in Newfoundland and Labrador is the Association for New Canadians (ANC). This non-profit organisation has been operational for over 25 years and is supported by a large group of employees and volunteers. The ANC is funded by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to provide programs and services that help newcomers adapt, settle and integrate into Canadian society.

For francophone immigrants, the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador offers services to support and enhance the French-speaking community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Besides the Association for New Canadians, numerous other organisations in Newfoundland and Labrador offer valuable settlement and integration services to newcomers:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Council (MNL): An umbrella organisation promoting diversity and improving cultural relations in the province.
• Multicultural Women's Organisation of Newfoundland and Labrador (MWONL): Focused on empowering and enhancing the lives of immigrant and refugee women.
• Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council (RIAC): Provides various services to immigrants and refugees including language training, job assistance, and social integration programs.
• Friends of India Association: A cultural organisation promoting Indian culture and heritage while assisting newcomers from India.
• African Canadian Heritage Association: Specifically supporting newcomers from African countries, it promotes and celebrates African heritage and culture.
• Corner Brook Status of Women Council: Helps newcomers, particularly women, to settle into the province and provides various community services.
• Coalition for Richer Diversity (CoRD): Operates as an umbrella organisation for organisations working with newcomers to province and promotes diversity and multiculturalism.
• Sharing Our Cultures: A cultural celebration that promotes and shared multiculturalism in schools across the province, engaging young newcomers in the community.

It should be noted that eligibility for newcomer services may differ depending on your legal status in Canada, and who is providing the specific services. While most newcomer services are eligible only for permanent residents and some temporary residents, it is best to check with each individual provider on what specific eligibility criteria they use.

Taxation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador has a varied taxation policy, with income tax rates ranging from 8.7% to 21.8%, and a combined federal and provincial rate between 23.7% and 54.8%. As with other provinces in Canada, the amount of income tax you owe the government increases, as your income increases.

In addition, the provincial government also runs a number of tax credit and rebate programs, including the:

• Residential Construction Rebate Program;
• NL Income Supplement and NL Seniors Benefit;
• Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit;
• Political Contributions Tax Credit;
• Venture Capital Tax Credit;
• Low Income Tax Reduction; and
• Physical Activity Tax Credit.

The province uses the Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) system, a blend of the provincial sales tax and the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST). This tax system predominantly applies to most goods and services supplied in Newfoundland and Labrador, a policy in effect since July 1, 1997.

The HST functions similarly to the nationwide GST and covers the same range of goods and services. However, the provincial government increased the provincial part of the HST from 8% to 10% effective July 1, 2016. Now, the 15% HST is made up of the 5% federal GST and the 10% provincial tax.

Things to Do in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador offers a diverse range of leisure activities for visitors and residents. Some of these involve exploring its rich cultural heritage, such as visiting historic sites including Battle Harbour and Cupids Cove Plantation. Museums like The Rooms and traditional music and dance venues like the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation also expose visitors to the culture of the region.

Those interested in outdoor activities can explore numerous hiking trails throughout the province featuring breathtaking scenery. An abundance of wildlife, including whales, puffins, and moose, can be seen while visiting ecological reserves like Cape St. Mary's and Terra Nova National Park. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling in rivers and coastal waters.

Adventurers can partake in sea kayaking, iceberg and wildlife boat tours, and aquatic hunting. Winter activities include snowmobiling and backcountry skiing. Additionally, visitors can enjoy festivals and events such as the annual St. John's International Women's Film Festival and the Royal St. John's Regatta.

In the province, there are many cultural activities rooted in the region's living heritage. This means the culture is not just to be observed, but is a living, breathing aspect of Newfoundland and Labrador that visitors can actively participate in.

There are opportunities to learn traditional crafts at places like the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation, where visitors can engage with artists as they create products by hand, or at the Wooden Boat Museum where visitors can learn about the province's boat-building history and even build their own model boat.

The Labrador Inuit community offers immersive cultural experiences where visitors can learn about Inuit culture through storytelling, art, and traditional clothing making. The Labrador Interpreation Centre is also a haven of Inuit culture and history, where visitors can attend talks and workshops to learn more.

For those interested in archaeology, the province is home to some of the richest and most significant archaeological findings in North America. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites at L'Anse aux Meadows and Red Bay are just two places where visitors can explore this ancient heritage.

Lastly, the region's gastronomy also plays a crucial role in its cultural identity. A local favourite activity is the traditional "Jiggs’ dinner" which visitors can learn to prepare and enjoy. This meal includes salt beef, cabbage, root vegetables, pease pudding, and Figgy Duff.

Contact CanadaVisa and Cohen Immigration Law for Assistance

Do you require Canadian immigration assistance?

Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. Cohen Immigration Law is comprised of over 60 Canadian immigration lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals. We are dedicated to helping people achieve their Canadian immigration goals. We assist in areas including skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and inadmissibility. CanadaVisa.com was founded in 1994 as the online presence of Cohen Immigration Law. CanadaVisa has since blossomed into the one of the world's most trusted resources on Canadian immigration. Please reach out for assistance. We're happy to help: