|
Rob with Dr. George Wybouw, President of MAGMA and Robert Boghen Executive Director of MAGMA
Crowd in attendance at the announcement
Government of Canada Announces Funding to help Newcomers settle in Moncton
May 22, 2008 -- Moncton, New Brunswick -- MP Rob Moore today announced funding to help newcomers succeed in Moncton and the surrounding area.
More than $1.3 million will be provided to the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area. Funding will help newcomers access orientation and other services, including referrals to community resources and assistance. It will also provide newcomers with language training in both French and English and help them establish contacts in their field of work.
“We want to ensure newcomers have access to the resources they need in order to prosper,” said Mr. Moore. “With this funding, more newcomers and their families will be better prepared to begin their new life in the Greater Moncton Area. When newcomers have more opportunities, not only do they succeed but the entire community benefits.”
“Increased funding will assist our association in the delivery of services, innovative strategies, and education,” says Robert A. Boghen, Executive Director of the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area.
“Moncton is recognized as an economic hub in Atlantic Canada. The relationship between newcomers and community agencies will strengthen our social and cultural fabric in all ways,” added Mr. Boghen.
MAGMA president, George Wybouw said increased funding is a step in the right direction and will “assist MAGMA to work with its community partners and newer associations.”
Settlement services are an essential part of the Government of Canada’s immigration program. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has begun investing an additional $1.4 billion over five years in settlement funding to provinces and territories outside of Quebec, which receives annual funding through a separate agreement. For 2008-09, New Brunswick will be receiving more than $2.7 million in basic settlement funding, an increase of more than $900,000 over the previous year.
Newcomers can also look to the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO), which helps internationally trained individuals find the information they need to get their credentials assessed and recognized more quickly. The FCRO was established in 2007 to provide information, path-finding and referral services to help internationally-trained individuals use their skills in Canada. There are now 320 Service Canada Centres across Canada offering in-person services to newcomers.
For more information on CIC’s programs, please visit this website
Rob Moore is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and the MP for Fundy Royal.
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Sean Phelan
Special Assistant – Communications
Office of Rob Moore, M.P. Fundy Royal
(613) 996-2316
|
|
|