Speaking Notes - The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, at the launch of Radio Canada International’s RCI Viva

Ottawa Ontario, November 27, 2006

Check against delivery

Thank you, Mr. Rabinovitch, and good afternoon everyone. It’s a real pleasure to be here, for several reasons.

First off, some of you may know that before I got into politics, I was in the radio business in Alberta for nearly 20 years. I still get a kick out of being inside a radio station although I have to admit, my station back in Brooks didn’t look much like this.

The second and much more important reason is the chance to be part of the official launch of RCI Viva.

Canada welcomes more than a quarter million immigrants every year, and I don’t think those of us who were born here always realize just how difficult it can be for newcomers.

Anyone who’s ever had to move to another city — uprooting the family, finding new schools, starting a new job and all the rest — knows how stressful that can be.

Imagine what it’s like moving to another country halfway around the world — a new culture, new language, new weather, new politics — everything’s strange.

We want newcomers to feel at home in Canada as quickly as possible because the sooner they feel at home, the better their quality of life will be, and the greater their chances of finding success in this country.

That’s why Canada’s New Government has increased funding for settlement programs for newcomers by $307 million over the next two years. Those are the programs that help newcomers learn the language, and get literacy and career training.

And that’s why I’m happy to be here to help launch RCI Viva. The more newcomers and potential newcomers know about this country, the easier the transition to their new home will be.

RCI Viva is an important part of this because its programming is not just about Canada, it’s about Canadians, and how Canadians think. And understanding how your new neighbours think, understanding their outlook on the world, is a big part of feeling comfortable in a new home.

I’m also very happy to be here today because I am able to announce that we’ll be putting a link to RCI Viva on the Citizenship and Immigration website. We believe it’s an important service for newcomers and prospective immigrants alike, and we’re pleased to do what we can to raise awareness.

Thanks very much for inviting me, congratulations to RCI, and many years of success to Viva!