NEW SETTLEMENT STRATEGY WILL HELP NEWCOMERS: ALLAN

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Centralized Assessment, New and Expanded Language, Settlement Services Part of New Approach

Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan today announced improvements to Manitoba’s approach to settlement and integration that will strengthen the province’s success in attracting and retaining immigrants. 

 

“Manitoba has been tremendously successful in our recruitment efforts and we are well on our way to becoming a national leader in the settlement, integration and retention of our newcomers,” said Allan. “Manitoba will now have a centralized assessment service to ensure immigrants receive appropriate services sooner, along with new and expanded language and settlement services across the province.”

 

Key services and program areas of the new Manitoba Settlement Strategy include: 

·         increased pre-arrival information and orientation at key points; 

·         development of centralized information and assessment services co-located with the new off-site Language Assessment Centre to ensure that immigrants receive the appropriate services sooner; 

·         access to settlement and community supports including refugee services and employment, qualifications recognition and specialized programs to help families adjust;

·         500 new English as an additional language seats in Winnipeg including 200 more full-time classes at the Winnipeg Technical Centre as well as enhanced work-related, neighbourhood and online learning opportunities;

·         active outreach to connect new families with neighbourhood community groups and supports where they live;

·         doubling of language-training seats outside Winnipeg from 633 in 2005-06 to 1,350 seats this year; and

·         co-ordinated interpretation, life skills, recreation and intercultural training and resources that will support services and develop the field of newcomer settlement.

 

The strategy responds to priorities identified by immigrants and settlement service providers through consultation. It will build on the assets of current services and expand partnerships with ethnocultural communities, government and employers to strengthen the participation of immigrants in Manitoba life.  

Manitoba’s Settlement Strategy will be supported by increased resources from Citizenship and Immigration Canada of over $17 million in 2007-08, an increase of over $9 million since 2005-06.   Allan noted the increased funding was in response to the success of Manitoba’s immigration program and the removal of the cap on funding. 

 

“With service providers and partners across the province, the Manitoba Settlement Strategy provides direction for strengthened collaboration, information sharing and excellence in this important field of newcomer settlement,” added Allan.  

 

More information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigrate.  

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