Moncton, May 22, 2008 - Newcomers to the Moncton area will have greater access to orientation and other services thanks to an investment announced today by Rob Moore, Member of Parliament for Fundy-Royal, New Brunswick, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
The Government of Canada will invest more than $1.3 million in the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA). Funding will help newcomers access orientation and other services, including referrals to community resources and assistance, language training in both French and English, and help establishing contacts in their field of work.
"We want to ensure newcomers have access to the resources they need in order to succeed," said Mr. Moore. "With this funding, more newcomers and their families will be better prepared to begin their new life in the Greater Moncton Area. When newcomers have more opportunities, not only do they succeed but the entire community benefits."
"Increased funding will assist our association in the delivery of services, innovative strategies, and education" says Robert A. Boghen, Executive Director of the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area. "Moncton is recognized as an economic hub in Atlantic Canada. The relationship between newcomers and community agencies will strengthen our social and cultural fabric in all ways," added Mr. Boghen. MAGMA president, George Wybouw said increased funding is a step in the right direction and will "assist MAGMA to work with its community partners and newer associations."
Settlement services are an essential part of the Government of Canada's immigration program. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has begun investing an additional $1.4 billion over five years in settlement funding to provinces and territories outside of Quebec, which receives annual funding through a separate agreement. For 2008-09, New Brunswick will be receiving more than $2.7 million in basic settlement funding, an increase of more than $900,000 over the previous year.
Budget 2008 proposes changes to modernize the immigration system including shortening the time it takes to bring newcomers and their families to Canada. Under this proposed system, instructions would be issued to immigration officers related to the processing of applications, including in relation to the jobs available in Canada, so that people with those skills and experience can be brought to Canada more quickly. With these changes, newcomers could have more opportunities to find work sooner, to provide a better life for themselves and their families and to benefit more from life in Canada.
Newcomers can also look to the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO), which helps internationally trained individuals find the information they need to get their credentials assessed and recognized more quickly. The FCRO was established in 2007 to provide information, path-finding and referral services to help internationally-trained individuals use their skills in Canada. There are now 320 Service Canada Centres across Canada offering in-person services to newcomers.
For more information on CIC's programs, please visit www.cic.gc.ca.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Tim Vail
Press Secretary
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Jon Stone
Director, Communications
Atlantic Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
902-426-1419
