News Release - Minister Finley announces new federal commitments to help newcomers settle in Canada

Ottawa, December 17, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced new federal commitments to assist in the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada.

New funding of $121.6 million will be provided over the next three years. This funding is in addition to the $1.3 billion provided in Budget 2006, bringing the total investment to more than $1.4 billion over a five-year period.

The Minister also announced the 2008-09 allocations to provinces and territories outside Quebec and Ontario. 

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping newcomers and their families succeed.  Since 2006, we have substantially increased funding in every province to support programs and services that can make a real difference in their lives,” said Minister Finley. “With this new funding, we will continue to respond to the needs of newcomers to help them become part of our community and our economy.  Ultimately, their success is our success as we continue to build and strengthen our country.”

The 2008-09 funding allocations to provinces and territories outside of Quebec and Ontario support the delivery of settlement programs and services.  Allocations for the provinces of Ontario and Quebec are provided for in separate bilateral agreements.  (A breakdown of the funding allocations is available in the backgrounder).

Settlement programs are an important part of a successful immigration program. Citizenship and Immigration Canada supports a number of programs and services that help newcomers settle and eventually integrate into Canadian society. Some of these programs and services include those which provide information and orientation to newcomers, language training, and support in establishing networks and contacts.

For further information (media only), please contact:

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

Karen Shadd-Evelyn
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

Backgrounder

• Settlement funding allocations for 2008-09