Newfoundland and Labrador is a dynamic and vibrant province that distinguishes itself as one of the best places in the world to live, study, work and play. With abundant natural resources and rugged beauty, our people have proven to be our greatest asset. Through centuries of hard work, determination and resilience, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have come together to survive transform the island into a prosperous province, rich in culture and known around the world for its friendly inhabitants and hospitality.
Over 17,000 km (10,500 miles) of beautiful coastline provides a backdrop for modern amenities and technology. Modern airports, seaports and roads exist among prehistoric land formations and historical sites. Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of clean air and fresh water, a low incidence of violent crime and a comfortable population density, making it one of the friendliest and safest places in the country to live. The UN ranks Canada as one of the best countries in which to live, based on educational attainment, income and a rich quality of life.
In our largest centres, commutes are usually less than 20 minutes. Our pristine environment supports a full range of outdoor activities in winter and summer, while also offering an array of indoor recreation programs.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a province rich in culture and the arts. Our traditional and modern music have strong Irish roots, while artists of all kinds enjoy the support of both provincial and municipal governments through regional Arts and Culture Centres. Our theatre, symphony, museums, cultural events and year-round music festivals make for unforgettable experiences. It's little wonder that major national magazines rate the province as one of the best places in Canada to live for arts and culture.
A publicly-funded, universal health care plan guarantees all residents access to services and essential medical procedures. Government investment continues to ensure the provision of first-rate health care facilities.
The Centre for Health Information is working with the province to provide leading-edge health care services. One major project is the development and management of a province-wide Health Information Network (HIN) which will allow health professionals to electronically share information with other health professionals. The Centre has become the most comprehensive health information centre of its kind in Canada, and is a model for other jurisdictions.
Historically, the cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador has generally been lower when compared with other parts of Canada. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a statistical device that measures the change in the cost of living for consumers in terms of inflation, demonstrates that Newfoundland and Labrador has had a lower level than the Canadian average over the past 10 years. Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador have also experienced, on average, less fluctuations in the CPI during the past 15 years, thus creating a more stable measure of what it might cost to live in the province over a longer period.
