News Release - M.P. Tilson announces funding for language training for newcomers to Caledon, Ontario

August 8, 2007 — Today, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, David Tilson, M.P., announced $230,000 in funding for Caledon Community Services to provide language training to newcomers to Caledon.

“Canada’s new government is committed to helping immigrants settle into their new lives and communities, and succeed in Canada,” said Mr. Tilson. “Through this funding, newcomers to Caledon will be able to improve their language skills so that they can enter the work force or get better paying jobs to help support their families.”

“This is a critical investment in the growing community of Caledon,” said Monty Laskin, Executive Director of Caledon Community Services. “Where there was once a large gap in services, there are now language instruction classes and other services for newcomers in their new home community. Improving English skills opens up a world of opportunities for very bright and motivated people from all over the world who have come to Caledon to make a new life for themselves and their families. What a tremendous welcome!”

The new funding for Caledon Community Services will provide language training for 30 students over the next 12 months, or 820 hours of language training.

Through the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, the Government of Canada has increased funding for settlement and language training in Ontario by $920 million over five years. Overall, the federal government is providing increased funding of $1.3 billion over five years to support newcomers as they seek to integrate into our society and economy.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada, in partnership with provinces, territories and settlement providers, delivers programs that help newcomers settle, adapt and integrate into Canadian society. These include the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program, which offers orientation and interpretation services as well as referrals to community resources, counselling, general information and employment-related services; Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, which provides basic language training; and the Host Program, which assists immigrants by matching them with volunteers who help them access services, establish contacts in their field of work and participate in the community.

It is also important to note that CIC performs regular audits of its programs to ensure compliance with departmental and governmental policies and regulations. For more information about CIC’s programs, please visit www.cic.gc.ca.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Office of David Tilson, M.P.
Dufferin-Caledon
905-857-6080

Ian Darragh
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Ontario Region
416-954-7868

Dominika Zapolnik
Caledon Community Services
905-951-2300
Web: www.caledoncommunityservices.org