News Release

New full-service centre to help immigrants in Ottawa

Ottawa, October 25, 2007 — Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, municipal leaders and representatives of the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA today opened the Newcomer Information Centre in Ottawa, the first one outside of the Greater Toronto Area.

With funding of $2.2 million over two and a half years from the Government of Canada through the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, the Newcomer Information Centre represents an innovative model for service delivery to newcomers in Ontario, providing access to a full range of services under one roof.

“The government is committed to helping newcomers succeed and build new lives for themselves and their families in Canada,” said Mr. Komarnicki. “That’s why we’re so pleased to be supporting centres such as this one, where a real difference can be made in the lives of newcomers by helping them access the resources they need.”

Managed by the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA, the Newcomer Information Centre is expected to hire 10 new staff to provide settlement and employment support services and language training, accreditation and qualifications assistance to more than 2,800 newcomers in its first year of operation.

“Newcomers bring the skills, education and global experience to help Ontario prosper,” said Gerry Phillips, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Expanding settlement and language training services for newcomers in the Ottawa region will help ease their transition to Ontario and give them opportunities to realize their potential."

“The Y has a long tradition of assisting newcomers in our Ottawa communities,” said Tony Pacheco, National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA President and CEO. “The Newcomer Information Centre is an important addition to the YMCA-YWCA's family of employment, enterprise and newcomer services and complements our larger mission and vision as a charitable organization. Welcoming newcomers in a caring and respectful manner, we will help them find the information they need to begin to make connections and establish roots that will lead to new lives, strong families and vibrant Ottawa communities.”

The Newcomer Information Centre reflects a commitment by the Government of Canada to work with the Government of Ontario to help newcomers settle effectively in Ontario communities.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Lonny Kates
Communications, Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
416-954-7868

Michel Payen-Dumont
Media Relations
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
416-314-7010

Holly Wagg
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
613-237-1320, ext. 5235