Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada recently committed new federal funding to help provincial governments with the settlement and integration of new immigrants.

$121.6 million will be provided over the next three years in addition to the $1.3 billion allocated by Budget 2006. The increased funding will go towards programs and services that provide information and orientation to newcomers, along with language

training and support in establishing business and social networks. The $121.6 million is divided among provinces and territories outside Quebec and Ontario. These two provinces have separate bilateral immigration agreements with the federal government.

"With this new funding, we will continue to respond to the needs of newcomers and help them become part of our community and our economy," stated Minister Finley. "Ultimately, their success is our success as we continue to build and strengthen our country."

$20.3 million of this funding is being given to provinces and territories to enhance their online information and services regarding settling and working across Canada. These provincial and territorial portals will link to the federal government’s Going to Canada immigration portal (www.goingtocanada.gc.ca).