Toronto, May 5, 2010 — The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, have signed a one-year extension to the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA).
“In extending the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, we signal our commitment to continue to collaborate to attract, retain and integrate immigrants into communities in Ontario while exploring new ways to improve immigrant outcomes,” said Minister Kenney. “The extension of this agreement prolongs our support for immigrant settlement programs, including language training and programs for newcomer youth.”
“Ontario is pleased to sign this one-year extension as we negotiate a successor agreement, so that newcomers to the province can continue to receive the services they need to settle and succeed,” said Minister Hoskins.
Three hundred and twenty million dollars have been allocated to Ontario for 2010–2011, in addition to annual settlement funding of $108 million.
The extension agreement builds on the existing collaborative relationship between Canada and Ontario on immigration matters and recognizes the importance of involving community stakeholders, including service providers and municipalities, in welcoming newcomers. Accomplishments to date under the COIA are significant and the Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with the province of Ontario, settlement service provider organizations, local municipalities and other stakeholders to make a real difference in the lives of Ontario immigrants.
Attracting more immigrants to Ontario to address its unique economic and social needs will contribute to Canada’s overall social, cultural and economic goals.
To obtain an electronic copy of the agreement signed today, please visit www.cic.gc.ca or www.citizenship.gov.on.ca.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Alykhan Velshi
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Indira Naidoo-Harris
Minister’s Office
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
416-325-6205
Media Relations, Ontario Region
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
416-954-7868
Ont-Communications@cic.gc.ca
