Charlottetown, December 22, 2008 — The Government of Canada is keeping its promise in the Speech from the Throne to work with the provinces and territories to increase the uptake of immigrant settlement programs. Prince Edward Island will be allocated almost $2 million in federal funding next year to help newcomers settle and integrate into their new communities, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.
“This annual support shows our government’s continuing commitment to help the development and continuation of important programs and services that can make a real difference in the lives of newcomers to Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “Programs, such as language training, job search and employment services, help newcomers integrate and succeed in Canada. As newcomers become productive and contributing members of the community, their success is Canada’s success.”
The funding represents an increase of over $40 million, or more than 20 percent from 2008-09. Funding for the provinces of Ontario and Quebec are provided for in separate bilateral agreements. (See backgrounder for a breakdown of the provincial and territorial settlement funding allocations outside of Quebec and Ontario.)
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has substantially increased funding to support settlement programs and services; an additional $1.4 billion is being invested over a five year period in all provinces and territories outside Quebec.
This includes programs and services to support newcomers in a variety of ways by providing: language training so they have the language skills to function in Canada; the information they need to better understand life in Canada and make informed decisions about their settlement experience; the required assistance to find employment commensurate with their skills and education; and help to establish networks and contacts so they are engaged and feel welcomed in their communities.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
