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Census numbers show outmigration still a major problem March 13, 2007
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is concerned that outmigration continues to bleed Newfoundland and Labrador of its population. The 2006 census figures released today show that this province lost 7,461 people to put our total population at 505,469. AOutmigration is one of the most serious problems facing our province today,@ said Mr. Reid. AWhile our population dropped by approximately 7500, this figure does not include the thousands of workers who travel elsewhere in Canada for employment, but return home to see their families every couple of months. Our population figures would be dramatically lower if these people were also included. It also does not reflect what has happened since the census was completed in May 2006. AThis dramatic drop in population impacts everything in our province from the amount of equalization we get from the federal government, to the stability of business. Unfortunately, with economic outlooks for 2008 projecting that we are going to be last in the country in economic growth for the first time in decades, new employment opportunities may not immediately be on the horizon to counter the alarming outmigration. AThe Williams Government stated that they had a plan for rural Newfoundland and Labrador and said they had the answer to address outmigration. Today=s numbers reinforce what we have already stated that there was no plan, nor was there any real initiative to grow the economy. All we have witnessed from this government is a failure to negotiate deals with the private sector, and a failure to address the issues that face many communities in this province. AIf this government does not bring forth any new initiatives to grow the economy of our province, I fear this trend of outmigration will continue into the next census period. This will have even further negative consequences for the communities and the economy of our province.@
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