Hong Kong, March 21, 2014 — Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander spoke yesterday to graduates of the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) – an initiative with a strong record of helping newcomers achieve success in Canada.
Alexander spoke with graduates of the CIIP who told him about their achievements and how they hope that their experience in the CIIP will help them find jobs when they arrive in Canada. Graduates stated that the program has provided them with the tools they need to contribute fully to the Canadian economy and labour market.
During his remarks, Alexander announced an additional investment in the CIIP of $1.9 million over the next six months, and highlighted the work that is underway with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) to explore new ways of delivering overseas services. This funding will help more immigrants prepare for life in Canada.
The CIIP is managed by the ACCC, which was recognized last month for its success with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada/Deloitte 2013 Public Sector Leadership Award. The gold honour was presented in recognition of the association's work in developing and delivering the CIIP – which assists newcomers in 25 countries through offices located in the Philippines, China, India, and the United Kingdom.
Since 2010, the government has invested over $18 million in the CIIP. For more information about this program, visit the ACCC website.
Alexis Pavlich
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Shawn Dearn
Director, Communications and Information Services, ACCC
613-746-2222 ext. 3123
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
