Located on the eastern coast of Canada, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador consists of the large island of Newfoundland and the mainland Labrador. This province has a population of as few as 500,000 people, out of which, the majority prefer to make their homes on the Avalon Peninsula. St. Johns is the capital city located in the northern part of the province.
The province is spread across an area of 405,212 km2. Moreover, the province has diverse climatic conditions, including the Arctic Tundra in the north, shifting to Sub-Arctic in the south of Labrador. In contrast, the climate in Newfoundland is Maritime Continental, which means much milder and more pleasant.
Over 97% of the province’s population speaks English, making it the most unified area in the country.
Living Expenses in Newfoundland and Labrador
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador offers a high standard of living at an affordable price. Compared with many larger centers in Canada, such as Vancouver and Toronto, the province offers a much more affordable cost of living.
With a minimum wage of $11 per hour, the average incomes for families in the province are relatively low; however, the housing costs and other expenses in the province are among the cheapest in the county.
The economy of Newfoundland and Labrador
Fisheries remain the primary industry that drives the economy of the province. While mining contributes to nearly 20% of the province’s GDP, specifically mining iron ores (producing almost 50% of the nation’s iron supplies).
The fishery and resources industry in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador creates numerous employment opportunities for the new immigrants. Due to the abundance of resources, the province experiences a never-ending requirement for skilled workers.
Demographics of Newfoundland and Labrador
The province has a multi-cultural and diverse population, including British descent, Chinese, South Asian, and aboriginal people. Moreover, the residents in the province are fondly called “Newfoundlanders” and “Labradorians”. Around 59.7% of the population adheres to Protestantism, while 36.3% are Catholics.
As mentioned earlier, English is the primary language spoken by nearly half a million people in the province, while there are only 2,000 French speakers.
The capital city, St. Johns, has a population of 150,000 people. Moreover, the provincial government is the primary employer in the region.
Education in Newfoundland and Labrador
Located in Newfoundland, the province has only two publicly-funded learning institutions. These are:
- The Memorial University of Newfoundland: Established in 1925, this university is situated in the capital city of the province. Moreover, the university is among the top universities in Canada, and it offers degrees in different fields, including Engineering, Business, Geology, and Medicine.
- The College of the North Atlantic: This university was established in 1997, and it is situated in Stephenville. The college has 17 campuses across the province, and it offers more than 100 study programs.
Furthermore, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has 25 private trade schools.
Attractions in Newfoundland and Labrador
There are numerous museums and lighthouses across the province for sightseeing. The most popular attractions in the province are an Aquarium in Petty Harbour, the Fisherman’s Museum in Twillingate, many nature reserves, and several art galleries and theatres.
The province has a number of moose and caribou, lynx, small game, black bear, waterfowl, and migratory birds, for hunters. Not many places across the world can match the fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador, with many opportunities for northern pike, landlocked salmon, Atlantic salmon, whitefish, tropic brook trout, and arctic char.
Whale and bird watching always seems astounding for nature admirers. There are also many outdoor-fun activities, including rafting, scuba diving, sailing, snowmobiling, kayaking, and canoeing, all surrounded by beautiful sceneries.
Newfoundland and Labrador Nominee Programs
The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) allows the provincial government to target prospective immigrants who have relevant skills and qualifications to meet the province’s workforce requirements.
Currently, there are three immigration categories under which the NLPNP is accepting applications:
- Skilled Worker Category
- Immigrant Entrepreneur Category
- International Graduate Category