Government expands partnership to support newcomers and immigrants

Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, today announced $73,932 in new funding for the Association for New Canadians (ANC) through the department�s immigration capacity building initiative. Minister Shelley also participated with Bridget Foster, executive director of the ANC, in the official opening of the International Friends Day Care Centre at the ANC�s Smithville Crescent location.

As a result of this provincial funding, the ANC is expanding delivery of labour market services, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and cultural awareness seminars.

�Newfoundland and Labrador offers new immigrants a world of opportunity and a quality of life that is second to none in the country,� said Minister Shelley. �As we develop a provincial immigration strategy, government is strongly supportive of the active partnership established with the Association for New Canadians and commends their delivery of high quality and innovative services for newcomers to our province.�

"I am extremely pleased that the provincial government is taking such a keen interest in immigration matters and is currently developing a provincial immigration strategy," said Bridget Foster. "I look forward to working with the province to ensure that newcomers are successfully integrated into our society and continue to make meaningful contributions to the economic and cultural development of the province."

The funding expands the AXIS (acquiring experience; integrating skills) program to aid more clients. AXIS helps newcomers with internationally acquired education and skills training better integrate into the local labour force. The program provides participants with job search techniques and access to work placements. The department currently provides $50,000 in annual funding to operate the program.

For newcomers and new Canadian citizens in the province, access to English as a Second Language training is vital for full participation in our society. The ESL component of this funding enables the ANC to offer additional classes during evening hours to improve a client�s language skills. As well, the ANC is planning delivery of cultural awareness seminars for service providers and the business community to increase their understanding of different cultures and to help them work with a more diverse population.

�I am pleased to continue this government�s effort to support measures that build the province�s capacity to attract and retain new immigrants,� said Minister Shelley. �Immigration is a key provincial policy priority and will continue to receive our attention in partnership with the Association for New Canadians.�

The ANC is a non-profit, community-based organization primarily funded through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. For over 25 years, the Association for New Canadians has provided settlement assistance and various other educational programs and services to support all aspects of newcomer integration. The organization works closely with its provincial and community partners, as well as employers and educational organizations, to provide a wide range of quality services for the immigrant community in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact: Ed Moriarity, Communications (709) 729-4062, 728-9623


2006 08 01                                                     2:15 p.m.