28 August 2008

Canadian g'ment pledges more money for migrant settlement programmes

The Canadian government has again shown its commitment to providing a world-class immigration programme this week by increasing funding for its migrant settlement services. According to The Chronicle Journal, the city of Thunder Bay has been awarded another $2 million to put towards improving its migration settlement programme.

Conservative MP Joe Comuzzi and MP Ken Boshcoff attended the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association last week to announce a further $2 million would be available from the Federal government to improve migration services for those who move to Canada.  This will include language training, a mentorship program, referrals to community resources and employment-related services.

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government believe in immigration and is committed to helping newcomers and their families succeed when they get here," said Comuzzi. 

"Settlement services give newcomers the help they need to learn one of our official languages, find a job and settle into the community.  Their successful integration is good for this community and good for Canada," he added.

Cathy Woodbeck, Executive Director of the Multicultural Association, also told the news provider, "It is our mandate to help immigrants and refugees begin their lives in Canada and to make the settlement and integration process smoother and easier for them."

Over a five year period, the Ontario region, which includes Thunder Bay, will be given $920 million in funding for settlement services.

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people apply for Canada visa and immigration services.

Article by Jessica Bird, Canadian Visa Bureau.