News Release - Citizenship and Immigration Minister Tables the 2006 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration

OTTAWA, October 31, 2006 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, today tabled the 2006 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration. The report outlines Canada’s initiatives over the past year to attract and welcome newcomers, and provides a projection of the number of people expected to become permanent residents in 2007.

“Canada’s new government believes that immigration should play an important role in building our country and helping our economy grow,” said Minister Solberg.

Canada plans to accept between 240,000 and 265,000 newcomers as permanent residents in 2007. This is an increase from the planned range of 225,000 to 255,000 set out in last year’s Annual Report.

In tabling the Annual Report, Minister Solberg emphasized that it is also important to make sure that services and supports are in place to give immigrants every opportunity to succeed in their new home. In Budget 2006, the government committed $307 million in additional funding, for language training and other services that help newcomers settle in their communities. As well, $18 million was allocated towards establishing an agency for the assessment and recognition of foreign credentials. These measures support the long-term success of newcomers to Canada.

The Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, which must be tabled by November 1 each year, is a requirement under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The report includes the linguistic profiles of the permanent residents who came to Canada last year, the number of temporary resident permits issued, and the immigration plan for 2007. Key provincial and territorial considerations are also included in the report, along with a complete list of federal/provincial-territorial agreements.

For more information (media only) please contact:

Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Mélanie Carkner
Media Relations Spokesperson
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

Backgrounder:

• 2006 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration

Related Documents:

• Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration