News Release - Minister Kenney addresses Canadian Club on the future of immigration

Winnipeg, November 13, 2008 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, said today the government remains committed to a dynamic immigration program and to the successful integration of newcomers.

“Just as immigration has played a strong role in our past, it will continue to be important to our future,” Minister Kenney told the Canadian Club of Winnipeg. “Canada is respected around the world for the way we’ve managed to bring in people from all over the globe. We have done this with a spirit of openness and tolerance, embracing diversity and becoming stronger for it.”

“I look forward to the privilege of serving as Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism as we continue our commitment to reuniting families, to maintaining our humanitarian obligations to refugees, and to supporting Canada’s economy,” the Minister added.

The Minister’s address also highlighted recent important improvements to the immigration program, including the creation of the Foreign Credentials Referral Office, the introduction of the Canadian Experience Class and the five-year, $1.4 billion plan to improve settlement services across the country.

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

For further information (media only), please contact:

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada