Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada (CIMC) Minister Jason Kenney has pledged to continue working with provincial governments to increasethe uptake of immigrant settlement programs.

Provinces outside of Quebec and Ontario will see more than $240 million in federal funding in 2009 to be usedto help newcomers settle into their new communities and integrate into the workforce (funding for the provinces of Quebec and Ontario is considered under aseparate agreement). This represents an increase of over 20 per cent from this year's settlement funding.

"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," stated 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."

In addition to the language training and employment services mentioned by Minister Kenney, other settlement programs help newcomers establish networks within their communities so that they can become engaged and feel more at home.