A Guide to Newfoundland and Labrador for Newcomers

Discover your place in the history of this province, which dates back to the time of the native population thousands of years ago. Newcomers to Canada have a wide variety of options for living, working, and raising a family. In the same way, each newcomer has their own unique identity and culture. Every province and territory is looking for immigrants who will meet their specific needs. The provincial spotlight will highlight each province and territory’s unique history and culture, key industries, employment demand, newcomer communities, and immigration laws. Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s largest province, is in the Atlantic region. In addition to serving as the first landing site for Vikings and European explorers, this province has played a crucial role in the global economy and culture. 

As a result of its discovery in the 1500s, explorers named the province Newfoundland, to distinguish it from Terra Nova, which was the name given to a newly discovered land with abundant resources. Learn what makes this province unique, and how you fit into its story, which was begun thousands of years ago by the indigenous peoples, and is continued by friendly, hardworking locals and adventurous newcomers.

Here are some fundamentals about Newfoundland and Labrador that may be helpful to you:

• Population,
• geography,
• and climate

A prominent feature of this province is the fact that it is situated at the easternmost point of the country, at the bottom of the world. It is composed of the larger Labrador region on the mainland and the smaller Newfoundland region on the island of Newfoundland. A coastline of 29, 000 kilometers stretches along Newfoundland and Labrador’s Atlantic coast.

Mild and maritime climates characterize NL. A climate of present temperatures can be found all year long in Newfoundland because of its location on an island. Temperatures in the summer commonly range from 16 to 0 degrees Celsius, while in the winter they are often below zero degrees Celsius. Since mainland Labrador is in the north, its winters are colder, but summers are mild with temperatures up to 25°C. Through Environment Canada, you can always check the weather in Newfoundland. 

An overview of Newfoundland and Labrador’s regional populations

A population of over 520 000 people lives in Newfoundland and Labrador, with most of them living in St. John’s, the province’s storied capital (it is spelled differently than Saint John, New Brunswick). There are approximately 200 000 people living within the city of St. John’s, which is located on the island of Newfoundland, as well as its surrounding area. 

In addition to St. John’s, other cities and towns in Newfoundland and Labrador have pleasant villages with friendly residents and distinct small-town cultures. 

Newfoundland and Labrador have a high proportion of immigrants who make St. John’s their home. Immigration to Newfoundland came primarily from the following countries in 2015, based on the province’s immigration plan: 

• China 
• India
• UK
• Nigeria
• The Philippines
• Sudan
• Iraq
• Eritrea
• Syria
• US

An overview of the languages spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador

The English language is widely spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite its small population, few foreign languages are widely spoken in the province. There are more English dialects than anyplace else in the world in Newfoundland and Labrador, which is well renowned for having a diverse population. Although the dialect of Newfoundland and Labrador can be challenging for a visitor at first, the distinctive sayings, customs, and accents are what make this region of the world remarkable to those who visit and reside here.

Sectors with strong economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador

An important part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy can be attributed to its colonial and indigenous histories. Early European settlers found a place rich in natural resources, particularly excellent fishing off the province’s Atlantic coast when they arrived in search of economic opportunity. It was the fisheries of Newfoundland and Labrador that generated most of the region’s wealth during the nineteenth century. It is still important to the province’s economy and cultural identity that fisheries and fishing activities are a part of it.

Oil and natural gas are the most significant sources of a growing number of businesses that are engaged in natural resource extraction and processing, as well as commerce and construction of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

• Mining
• Tourism
• Forestry (and subsequent creation of newsprint)
• Real estate
• Agrifoods
• Manufacturing
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Construction

The job market of Newfoundland and Labrador  

Rate of employment and professions in demand

92.2% of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are employed early in 2020. The number of jobs in resource-based industries may change throughout the year due to the seasonal nature of many of them. Newfoundland and Labrador’s average weekly work week is longer than that of other provinces. 91.1% of all new jobs will be created in these expanding fields by 2020:

• Management 
• Healthcare 
• Processing, manufacturing, and utilities
• Sales and service occupations

Almost all immigrants to Newfoundland and Labrador are highly skilled in the fields of management, government services, natural and applied science, and social science. 

NLPNP (the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program)

The NLPNP assists educated immigrants who are new to Canada by recommending up to 1050 people for permanent residency. A variety of streams are available through the NLPNP based on your interests, background, and occupation:

1. Express Entry Skilled Worker Program: Applicants who originally applied through Canada’s Express Entry Program will be qualified for this program if they are now employed in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

2. Skilled Worker: People who either already work in Newfoundland and Labrador or have a guaranteed employment offer there.

3. International Graduate: A post-grad work permit and a firm job offer are required for new graduates in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

4. International Entrepreneur: This program is aimed at business owners who are interested in investing in a business in Newfoundland and Labrador and residing permanently there. 

5. International Graduate Entrepreneur: Students who are eager to start their own business in Newfoundland or Labrador after completing their studies at the Memorial University of Newfoundland or the College of the North Atlantic.

Newfoundland and Labrador school information for international students

The College of the North Atlantic and the Memorial University of Newfoundland are the two universities in Newfoundland and Labrador. MUNL has its main campus in St. John’s; CNLA has 17 campuses scattered throughout the province. In fact, Memorial University of Newfoundland boasts a third international student population, showcasing the diverse viewpoints and cultural backgrounds of international students.

Tips for newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador

By offering direction and a sense of community, connecting with services and organizations designed for newcomers can positively impact your experience. The following helpful resources for newbies will help you get started:

Province-Wide Resources

• (ANC) – Association for New Canadians 
• (RIAC) – Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council 
• (MWONL) – Multicultural Women’s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador 

In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, there are numerous possibilities for shopping for reasonably priced food. Once you’ve decided which neighborhood and city you want to live in, just search Google Maps for nearby supermarkets that fall within your spending limit and diet choices. To discover hidden treasures in your city, ask your Neighbours and new acquaintances where they like to buy groceries.

Chain grocery stores typically provide a wide selection and reliable service for affordable pricing. Here are some well-known food store businesses that frequently stock goods originating from abroad to get you started: 

• Costco
• Sobeys
• Dominion Stores
• Coleman’s

It is a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning with the family while buying fresh, seasonal vegetables at a farmer’s market while meeting people in your neighborhood. It is St. John’s that holds the largest weekly market in the province, although several villages hold their own markets throughout the summer and fall.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, how do you move around?

Being a new immigrant may mean facing many expenses, including transportation. The Metrobus public transportation system serves the city and the surrounding area of St. John’s. It is possible to buy passes on a monthly or semester basis. Passes are also referred to as M-cards. The Metrobus system offers free Wi-Fi to transit users.

Because of the lack of official public transportation outside of St. John’s, residents of smaller towns rely mostly on their own vehicles for transportation. It’s important to be ready in case you decide to buy, rent, or lease a car for personal transportation. According to Canada’s government, leasing or buying a car as a newbie has advantages and disadvantages.

For many years, Newfoundland and Labrador have welcomed immigrants from all around the world. People of all ages can enjoy the celebrations, natural beauty, and local history that can be found throughout the province. It is the contributions of immigrants that will shape the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in the future, and it presents amazing opportunities to those who are willing to work hard and add something new. 

Conclusion

Despite having one of the lower populations among provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador nevertheless have a large number of chances and employment opportunities in industries like manufacturing and mining. The province is renowned for its local culture, delicious seafood, and welcoming citizens. Individuals who want to move to Newfoundland and Labrador can immigrate through Provincial Nominee Program. Canada PNP is considered the major pathway of migration.