Premier meets with protestors concerned by PEI’s immigration strategy

On Thursday, Premier Dennis King met with protestors who’ve been holding demonstrations over the past week regarding the province’s new immigration strategy.  The protestors were gathered outside the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott where King was speaking at the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting.  King spoke with them when he was leaving the hotel.  At issue is the plan by the province to reduce the number of nominees for permanent residency by 25 per cent this year.  For the spots that remain, those who work in certain occupations, such as in health care and construction, are given priority.  The protestors say the changes will force many of them to move and end their hopes for permanent residency.  The Premier indicated yesterday that, at this point, the changes announced in February are needed and will be put in effect.