News Release - Government of Canada invests in Moose Jaw to help newcomers succeed

Moose Jaw, August 21, 2008 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced funding to help the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council deliver settlement services to newcomers in Moose Jaw.

New funding of $390,434, covering the period from April 2008 to March 2009, is expected to help 100 newcomers access language and employment services as well as settlement and orientation services.

“Canada is committed to helping newcomers succeed,” said Minister Finley. “This funding for the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council helps ensure that newcomers continue to get the services and opportunities to successfully settle into this community.”

“The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council appreciates the past and present support of Citizenship and Immigration Canada,” said Tara Blanchard, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council. “Now, more than ever, settlement, language and employment services are crucial to the successful integration of newcomers to Canada.”

Settlement services are an essential part of the federal government’s immigration program. For 2008-09, Saskatchewan will be receiving more than $5.5 million in basic settlement funding, an increase of more than $1.5 million over the previous year. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has begun investing an additional $1.4 billion over five years in settlement funding to provinces and territories outside of Quebec, which receives annual funding through a separate agreement.

Newcomers can also turn to the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO), which helps internationally trained individuals find the information they need to get their credentials assessed and recognized more quickly. Established in 2007, the FCRO provides information, path-finding and referral services to help internationally trained individuals use their skills in Canada. There are now 320 Service Canada centres across the country offering in-person services to newcomers.

CIC funds a number of programs that help newcomers settle, adapt and integrate into Canadian society. These programs are delivered in partnership with provinces, territories and service-providing organizations.

For more information on CIC programs, please visit www.cic.gc.ca.

For further information (media only), please contact:

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

Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca