NOTE TO EDITORS:

Tom Lush, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, will attend the federal/provincial/territorial meeting of ministers responsible for immigration from October 15-16 in Winnipeg. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Denis Coderre and Manitoba Labour and Immigration Minister Becky Barrett will co-host the meeting to discuss current and future trends for Canada�s Immigration program.

Among the items for discussion are: immigration levels, regional distribution of immigrants, strategies to attract and retain skilled workers and professionals, recognition of foreign credentials and innovation through immigration. Minister Lush is looking forward to discussing these issues with his colleagues and exploring ways to best utilize the immigration process for the social, cultural, and economic benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2002 10 11                                        1:40 p.m.