Immigration good way to stimulate economy, Liberals say

Liberal Leader Dwight Ball focused on population growth and stimulating the economy, during a visit totheAssociation for New Canadians Monday.

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Ball saidone way to reach that goalis through immigration, and ensuringproperservicesinplaceto assist immigrants.

We know there are many challenges right now but the future of this province is bright.- Dwight Ball

He added thatthe province hasa lot of people eager to make Newfoundland and Labrador their home.

"Of course when you look at job creation in the province, I've always said it's Newfoundlanders and Labradorians first. But when the skill sets are not available we need to look no further than immigrants," said Ball.

New hope

Tai Le came to the provincein 2012 and has recently completed his master's degree in engineering at Memorial University, hoping tofinda job in the oil and gas sector.

Hehad a chance to speak with the Liberalsduring theirvisit at Association officesand said it was a positive experience.

"I think they are so friendly and I see a good future for Newfoundland that's what I see in them," said Le.

"Newfoundland peopleare the greatest people I've ever known I hope to find a good job in Newfoundland. I feel that it's home here right now."

All need to do our part

While the federal government is on board with accepting more Syrian refugees, Ball said as a province we need to do our part. But he stressed the importance of a screening process.

"We have been known to be a very caregiving people our doors are open but the proper screening would be required and we are willing to play our role to make sure the Syrian refugees are welcome."

Ottawa has committed to bringing 25,000 refugees to Canada before the end of the year andLabrador MP Yvonne Jones has advocated for thebase at 5Wing Goose Bayto be used to help fulfilthis commitment.

Employers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay struggle to fill service jobs, buta recent poll from the area showeda lot of people were against the idea of using Labradoras a place where Syrian refugees would enter Canada.

Bright Future

Ball understands peoples' fearsbut said theyneed to trust thefederal government's screening processand accept the province'sshare of immigrants.

While there are number of options, HappyValley-Goose bay would definitely be on the list.

"I don't have a specific target right now but we are willing to do our part and we're willing to accept our share into N.L." said Ball.

"Itis a responsibilityas all of Canadians to do what we can to make sure these refugees can land in safe country."

On a final note,Ball said hispartywill ensure the provinces money is spent wisely focusing on diversification and growing the economy.

"We know there are many challenges right now but the future of this province is bright."

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