Greg Byrne, New Brunswick Minister responsible for the population growth secretariat,recently announced that $870,000 will be invested in newcomer integration and settlement in the province.

"In our population growth strategy, we committed to initiatives that will help New Brunswick be more welcoming so that when we attract immigrants, theystay," stated Minister Byrne.

The funding will be made available for Community Capacity Settlement projects and Settlement and Multiculturalism Services.

Community Capacity Settlement funding will go towards the establishment of immigrant resource centres along with orientation and informational workshops,employment counseling for newcomers, and programs to increase public awareness about the value of diversity and immigration in New Brunswick.

Settlement and Multiculturalism Service funding will be devoted to special projects or programs such as the establishment of an immigrant entrepreneurmentorship program, programs to help newcomers obtain accreditation or credential recognition, increased language training, and programs aimed atspecific groups of newcomers, such as youth, women, or seniors.

Minister Byrne said that the goal of this new funding is to, "offer a one-stop-shop approach, where immigrants can have access to employment counseling,language training, orientation, and mentorship services.