NOTE TO EDITORS: Province�s inaugural immigration symposium being held in St. John�s

Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and minister responsible for immigration, welcomes his counterpart Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and over 250 delegates to the province�s inaugural Immigration Symposium, being held September 17-18, at the Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel in St. John�s.

The symposium is an opportunity to bring together stakeholders and persons with an active interest in immigration policy and programs to help broaden public awareness of the benefits of immigration, learn from other jurisdictions, discuss key issues, and guide the development of our provincial immigration strategy.

September 17
Minister Shelley will host an opening reception for delegates in the Lower Court Garden and formally welcome Minister Solberg. The reception begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. Mayor Andy Wells will bring greetings on behalf of the City of St. John�s.

Following Mayor Wells, Minister Solberg will take this opportunity to offer his opening remarks to the symposium delegates.

September 18
Minister Shelley will deliver the morning address to delegates in Salons A and B at 9:00 a.m.

The symposium theme is Diversity ~ Opportunity and Growth and is organized into nine sessions.

• Morning Plenary: The Benefits of Immigration: The Manitoba Experience (9:15 - 10:00 a.m.)
• Concurrent Morning Sessions (10:30 a.m. � 12:00 noon)
  • Integration and Retention
  • Immigration � Opportunity for Growth
  • Welcoming Communities � A tool box of ideas for smaller centers
• Luncheon: Immigrants sharing their stories (12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.)
• Concurrent Afternoon Sessions (1:30 - 3:00 p.m.)
  • International Students as potential immigrants
  • Foreign Credential Recognition
  • Provincial Nominee Program
• Afternoon Plenary: Settling into an island society (3:30 - 4:15 p.m.)
• Closing Remarks: Honourable Edward M. Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador

Media representatives are welcome.

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

2006 09 15                                   1:50 p.m.