Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the provincial government of Prince Edward Island (PEI) recently announced a new agreement that will make it easier for PEI to attract skilled workers from abroad and to process their applications morequickly.

"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 thatthe province is able to select the number of immigrants it needs to meet labour market demands and build a stronger economy," stated CIC Minister DianeFinley.

The Agreement for Canada-PEI Cooperation on Immigration, which replaces a previous agreement signed in 2001, builds on the existing relationship betweenthe federal and the PEI governments on immigration matters, including the delivery of settlement services. It includes several new provisions to addressPEI’s evolving economic, social, and demographic needs. Under the new agreement:

• Prince Edward Island will be able to nominate more immigrants who have the skills that are needed in the province for fast-track permanent residency byCIC.
• PEI and Canada will work together to develop and implement strategies to better integrate immigrants into the labour market. This includes improvingthe process for the recognition of foreign credentials.
• Canada and PEI will enhance cooperation in overseas immigration marketing initiatives, including bringing temporary foreign workers and students to theprovince.

"We are very pleased to renew this immigration agreement with the federal government," stated PEI Minister Allan Campbell. "It gives the province theauthority we need to attract new immigrants who will meet gaps in our labour market and help boost our declining population."