News Release

New funding for citizenship and immigration programs

OTTAWA, November 16, 2005 — Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Supplementary Estimates were approved today, providing an additional $168.5 million in support of Canada’s immigration, citizenship and refugee programs.

The additional funding will be directed toward continued improvements to the Department’s programs and services, including reducing inventories and processing times for new citizens, refugees and immigrants. It will also support new initiatives to prevent racism, and make it easier for students to come and stay in Canada. Finally, it will strengthen partnerships with the provinces and territories, and improve integration for newcomers to help ensure that Canadian businesses have the skills and workers they need to thrive.

“The Government of Canada has made great strides toward improving client services and immigrant outcomes,” said the Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “With the approval of this funding, we can build on these successes and move ahead on the agenda put forward earlier this year to create the immigration and citizenship programs Canadians want and need.”

The unanimous vote of the Standing Committee will be reported to the House, and the final vote on supplementary estimates is scheduled for December 8th.

For more information, please contact:

Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064