In support of advocacy efforts to improve youth and immigrant retention in PEI, the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored a Canadian Chamber resolution to help in the recruitment and retention of international students. Submitted by the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, the resolution was debated by chamber representatives from across the country at the Canadian Chamber Annual General Meeting on September 23 and passed with unanimous support.
The resolution recommends that the federal government:
Allow international students attending either a public institution or private institution in any province or territory, that is registered on the Designated Institution list, to:
- qualify for the Canada Summer Jobs program.
- participate in voluntary co-op terms and internships without obtaining a separate work permit.
- count all time spent in Canada as an international student towards citizenship eligibility (i.e. increase from half time to full time).