Only about 150 of the 250,000 immigrants who come to Canada every year choose to settle permanently in Newfoundland and Labrador. The provincial government intends to triple that number.

Announced on Wednesday, a $6 million investment will be directed at making the province more attractive to immigrants. The plan includes making health coverage available to international students and enriching provincial programs to help immigrants acquire the necessary skills to be able to work in the province.

The Provincial Human Resources Minister, Shawn Skinner, highlights the need to attract more people. “Through their work and investment, people generate the wealth needed to sustain our province,” he explains. The Newfoundland and Labrador government plans to open a new immigration office in April.