I rise today to inform this Honourable House about discussions held on May 24 and 25 during the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for immigration meetings in Ottawa.

The annual meeting is an opportunity for the various jurisdictions throughout the country to share their respective priorities and approaches to immigration and to discuss progress being made on current initiatives.

All ministers recognized the growing importance of immigration to Canada�s future growth and productivity. I took the opportunity to inform my ministerial colleagues of this province�s recent initiative to move forward with a comprehensive $6 million investment in support of an immigration strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador.

I was pleased to see discussions raised on topics relevant to the successful implementation of the immigration strategy. This included talks regarding the establishment of a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) of immigrant and the need for increases in federal immigrant settlement programming and funding.

For example, the establishment of a CEC means that for individuals who are already in Canada as an international student they could apply for permanent residence to remain in our communities without having to leave Canada. Goals 12 and 13 of the Provincial Immigration Strategy address the need to increase enrollment and retention of international students. Movement towards the creation of a national CEC would in turn help support the implementation of our strategy.

I also had an opportunity to discuss federal immigrant settlement programming and funding levels. It is recognized that there is a lack of adequate settlement funding available for this province and throughout Atlantic Canada. The availability to grow settlement services impacts this province�s ability to retain immigrants over the longer term. Goal 4 of the provincial immigration strategy places a focus on increasing and enhancing settlement and immigration services in the province as a means to increase retention. I welcomed the opportunity to re-state the Provincial Government�s position on the need for an adequate and growing level of funding in respect to settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I look forward to continuing this dialogue on immigration matters of interest and concern to the province. I encourage the Federal Government to ensure that the perspective of the Provincial Government continues to be heard and positive measures undertaken to move immigration policy forward in Canada.

2007 05 31                                   1:50 p.m.