25 February 2005

Canadian government commits to helping new immigrants settle

In an effort to help new immigrants settle in Canada, the federal government will spend $300 million over the next five years on immigration related programs. The new spending, outlined in yesterday's budget, will improve settlement and integration programs in cities across the country to help immigrants find work.

As well, the federal budget earmarked $75 million over five years to speed the assessment of foreign-trained health-care workers who often have trouble getting their credentials recognized here. The budget says immigration "sustains economic growth, promotes innovation and keeps city and community economies strong.

In his budget speech, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said it is essential that Canada continue to be a destination of choice for immigrants and that newcomers to Canada are integrated into the economy and society as effectively and efficiently as possible. But he did concede that Canada’s influx of 200,000 new immigrants a year is a strain on the country’s social system.