News Release

Canada’s new government funds Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance online resources to help immigrants integrate

Ottawa, May 24, 2007 —The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced approximately $18.8 million in funding for several provinces and territories to enhance online information about settling and working across the country to help immigrants integrate into Canadian society.

Newfoundland and Labrador will receive $820,000 over a four-year period. The funding will go toward developing online content, tools and services that will promote the province as a destination and help immigrants integrate once they arrive. The funds can also be used for consultation and outreach. Newfoundland and Labrador may also choose to provide funding to municipalities to help enhance information at the local level.

“Canada’s New Government recognizes the importance of helping immigrant families succeed and we are committed to helping newcomers settle and prosper in Canada,” said Minister Finley. “As the Internet often serves as a primary source of information, the provision of timely, accurate and relevant information is essential. With each region of Canada having its own unique characteristics and opportunities, online resources will help immigrants as they arrive and settle in Canada.”

“We recognize that our long-term prosperity as a province must include measures to attract and retain a greater share of the total immigrants coming to Canada by encouraging  them to choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their new home,” said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. “The funding for this initiative complements our recently launched provincial immigration strategy by enabling the Department to further work with its partners and promote the province as a destination of choice and a truly welcoming community in which to settle, raise a family and begin a new life.”

Contribution agreements have also been signed with Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, Northwest Territories and the Yukon. Under existing federal-provincial immigration agreements, British Columbia and Manitoba will also receive funding to help them improve the provision of online information for prospective immigrants and newcomers.

Provincial and territorial portals will link to the government’s existing Going to Canada Immigration Portal (www.goingtocanada.gc.ca), which provides online information and services to help immigrants make informed decisions about coming to Canada, and assists them in their integration and settlement once they arrive.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Jon Stone
Atlantic Regional Communications
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
902-426-1419

Backgrounder

• Funding agreements with provinces and territories