Purpose
Across Canada and around the world, communities are working to attract and keep people. This is becoming more important as more people retire, fewer children are born, and people can move more easily from one place to another.
Population growth helps build a strong economy. It helps employers find workers, brings new skills and ideas to communities, supports local businesses, and increases the need for goods and services. It also helps grow the tax base and drive new investments, which helps pay for public services, such as healthcare and social programs, especially as the population ages.
When the population declines or does not grow, communities can face challenges. There may be fewer workers, less tax revenue, and higher costs per person to maintain roads, buildings, and services. It can also be harder for people to get the services they need, including health care, and to stay in their communities.
To support long-term growth, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is developing a five-year Population Growth Strategy for 2026–2031.
Population growth takes planning, investment, and cooperation. Governments, communities, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. The Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development wants your input to help shape the Population Growth Strategy and support the province’s future.
Your feedback will help the department better understand what matters most in your region. It will be considered along with other sources of information, including Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Budget 2026 initiatives that support positive population growth outcomes.
How Can You Get Involved?
We want to make sure the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of people across Newfoundland and Labrador. Any resident interested in the province's future are encouraged to respond.
Online Questionnaire:
This questionnaire is open until October 11, 2026. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
If you have any questions about this questionnaire or need the information in another format, please email the Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development at PopulationGrowth@gov.nl.ca.
Please note: If you are not already registered with engageNL, you will need to create an account to open the questionnaire. Your answers will be anonymous and will not be linked to your account or personal information.
Written Submissions:
You can also send your feedback by email or mail.
Deadline for written submissions: October 11, 2026
Email: PopulationGrowth@gov.nl.ca
Mail:
Population Growth Strategy
Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
Confederation Building, West Block
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
How Will Your Input Be Used?
The Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development will review all feedback. Your input will help guide the development of the Population Growth Strategy.
Privacy Statement
Please do not include your name or any other personal information that could identify you. Information is being collected under section 61(c) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, to gather public feedback to help develop the Population Growth Strategy.
If you have any questions about how this information will be collected, used, or shared, please email PopulationGrowth@gov.nl.ca.
Contact Us
If you have questions or comments, please email PopulationGrowth@gov.nl.ca