The Prince Edward Island Population Secretariat, along with Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada research chair in Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, released today a report on Recent Immigrants to Prince Edward Island (PEI). Dr. Baldacchino compiled information from 320 individuals who settled to Prince Edward Island between the years of 1998 to 2003.
The survey was the first qualitative study of its kind done on the Island. It was conducted last fall in an attempt to collect stories around why people come to settle in PEI and why they choose to stay. All the information compiled from the recent report will be taken into consideration for the soon-to-be-released Population Strategy document. All of the information will assist in the recruitment of settlers to Prince Edward Island as well as the retention of these settlers.
“I encourage all Islanders to take an active approach in welcoming settlers to Prince Edward Island,” said Minister of Development and Technology Mike Currie. “I believe Islanders play a significant role in attracting families and newcomers to our communities across the Province. Immigration to PEI is an investment into our future economy in Prince Edward Island and as Islanders it is important for each one of us to embrace all the positives that can be experienced when new people move into our neighborhoods, work environments and communities.”
Several participants in the report indicated that the quality of life in PEI, availability or prospects of employment and affordable housing as the advantages of moving to the province. Other feedback indicated that participants didn’t always feel a sense of belonging in Prince Edward Island if they didn’t have family or roots here.
“Not all of this information may be what we want to hear, but the feedback that we have received is workable to improve on,” said Dr. Baldacchino. “We now have an excellent database to propel an informed understanding as to why immigrants choose to come and stay in PEI, and what their main challenges have been in doing so. If we are aware of the things we can work on, and work together, we can be better equipped to deal with these obstacles in the future.”
For more information about the report, please contact Dr. Baldacchino at (902) 566-0909.
The Population Secretariat will be releasing a provincial Population Strategy in the next few months. The Strategy will deal with:
•Research (similar to this study)
•Promote Opportunity through Job Registry
•Youth Mentor Program
•PNP Program & Connections Program
•Focus on Youth Retention
•Adapting to Change with respect to Immigration Education/Seminars
•Communication into the communities about Programs and Services
For more information about the Population Secretariat, please contact Elaine Noonan or Erin Docherty at 368-6300.