St. John's, N.L. (October 15, 2024)
Lloyd Parrott, PC Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Immigration, Population Growth & Skills, and MHA for Terra Nova, has called out the Furey Liberals for their confusing and contradictory approach to immigration in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Parrott was reacting to news that the province has reached its annual immigration cap, resulting in a decision to selectively process applications while rejecting others. He pointed out the conflicting message from the Minister's department, which continues to promote immigration both provincially and internationally despite reaching its cap.
"Does this make any sense? Why are the department hosting 'engagement' sessions across the province when they cannot accept more applications? Why are we sponsoring a UK soccer team to attract immigrants when we can't process their applications? Why is the Minister travelling the world to promote immigration when her department is already at capacity?" added Parrott."
Parrott highlighted that the Minister's recent trip to the United Kingdom included attending a soccer game. This trip followed the government's controversial decision to sponsor a fourth-tier UK soccer team for $171,000, a move aimed at promoting Newfoundland and Labrador as an immigration destination.
"I am doubtful the Minister has a clear plan for immigration," said Parrott. "Why are we sponsoring an unknown UK soccer team to promote the province when we cannot process all applications? Why do we have a group of bureaucrats from the Minister's Department travelling around the province trying to attract applications from international students that we can no longer process?"
Parrott called on the Minister to personally speak to the media on the issue versus hiding behind prepared statements.
"The Furey Liberals have no clear plan for immigration, wasting taxpayers' money on ill-conceived initiatives while sending mixed messages to those looking to settle in our province. It's time for the Minister to show leadership and take responsibility for this ongoing confusion."
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