Population decline in Newfoundland and Labrador attributed to federal policies

Newfoundland and Labrador's population has declined for the first time since 2021, according to Statistics Canada. As of January 1, 2025, the province lost 301 people, bringing the total population to 545,579. Immigration Minister Sarah Stoodley believes that this drop is due to changes in federal immigration policies. Even though the province welcomed 5,808 new immigrants in 2024, she argues that the recent cuts to immigration spaces are harmful. Stoodley stated, "Newfoundland and Labrador can’t afford even a small drop in its population." The federal government had initially proposed to reduce the province's economic immigration allocations by half. This would have cut the number of spaces from 3,050 to 1,525. Stoodley expressed her shock at this decision, describing her team as "devastated." After some backlash, the federal government agreed to a partial reversal of its decision, adding an additional 1,000 economic spaces. This brings the total to 2,525, but it still falls short compared to the original allocation. Stoodley emphasized that immigrants are crucial for the province’s economy. She noted that they are needed in various sectors, including education and construction, to support the region's growth. Looking ahead, Stoodley expressed hope for the next federal election. She aims to work with the new immigration minister to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador can increase its population and support its economic needs.