Canada Research Chair in Island Studies Releases Immigration Report
The Prince Edward Island Population Secretariat, along with Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies at UPEI, released today a report on Recent Immigrants to Prince Edward Island (PEI). Dr. Baldacchino (himself an immigrant from Malta) compiled information from 320 individuals who settled on Prince Edward Island between 1998 to 2003 and who have, so far, stayed on the island.
The survey was the first qualitative study of its kind on the island: it was conducted last fall in an attempt to collect voices and stories around why people come to and settle on PEI and decide to stay. All the information compiled from this report will be taken into consideration for the soon-to-be released Population Strategy document. All 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 this information may be what we want to hear, but all 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 of why immigrants choose to come and stay to settle on PEI, and what their main challenges have been in so doing. 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."
The full survey report (85 pages) or its executive summary (4 pages) can be freely downloaded from: www.islandstudies.ca. For more information about the report, please contact Dr Baldacchino at (902) 566-0909.
