News Release

The Government of Canada contributes to support for  immigrants in Prince Edward Island

Ottawa, October 24, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced Government of Canada support for an online information service that will help potential immigrants and those settling in Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island will receive funding of approximately $808,000 over four years, 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. PEI may also choose to provide funding to municipalities to help enhance information at the local level.

The funding is part of an $18.8 million funding package announced earlier this year for several provinces and territories, for the enhancement of online information about settling and working across the country and to help immigrants integrate into Canadian society. 

“Our Government recognizes the importance of helping immigrant families succeed and we are committed to helping Prince Edward Island attract newcomers to the province,” said Minister Finley. “This funding will help Prince Edward Island offer more online services to help attract newcomers and continue to help them once they arrive.”

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to attracting and retaining immigrants as a means of increasing our population,” said Prince Edward Island Minister of Development and Technology Richard Brown. “New Internet-based services will provide essential information for all newcomers and allow us to do an even better job of promoting the Island as a new home for immigrants.  The department is committed to supporting the Prince Edward Island Association for Newcomers and these funds will assist them in their support and settlement efforts.”

Contribution agreements have also been signed with Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. 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.

In Budget 2006, the Government of Canada committed $1.3 billion over five years in settlement funding to help newcomers succeed.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Jon Stone
Director, Atlantic Region Communications
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
902-426-1419

Backgrounder

• Funding agreements with provinces and territories