Toronto, June 10, 2008 - Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today underlined the Government's support for organizations that deliver language training to newcomers.
"The successful integration of newcomers is a priority for the Government of Canada," said Mr. Komarnicki. "Learning language skills are key to newcomers' success and language training gives newcomers the tools they need to fully participate in their communities."
Today at a conference for language training administrators, Mr. Komarnicki praised the important work of professionals who provide language instruction to newcomers. The conference brings together language training professionals that provide language training under the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program.
"Language training professionals play such a critical role in helping newcomers adapt to life not just in Ontario but all across Canada," Mr. Komarnicki said. "We're very pleased to support their work to help newcomers succeed. When newcomers succeed, we all succeed."
Language training is one of several settlement services funded by the federal government to help immigrants integrate into their new communities. These services are an essential part of the federal government's immigration program. Over the coming year, $150 million will be invested in two key language training programs: the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program and the Enhanced Language Training program. This is an increase from the $143 million committed over the past year.
Overall, through the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA), the Government of Canada has increased settlement funding for Ontario by a total of $920 million over five years. Under the COIA, CIC works with the province and immigrant-serving agencies to make a real difference in the lives of immigrants.
Newcomers to Canada can also turn 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. Established in 2007, the FCRO provides 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.
In addition to language training, CIC funds a number of programs that help newcomers settle, adapt, and integrate into Canadian society. These programs are delivered in partnership with provinces, territories and service-providing organizations and include the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program, which provides orientation, referrals to community resources, advice and guidance; and the Host Program, which helps newcomers connect with volunteers who help them access services, establish contacts in their field of work and participate in the community.
For more information on CIC's programs, consult our website at 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
Madona Mokbel
Communications
Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
416-954-7868
