PROVINCE
ENCOURAGES FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT TO HELP NEWCOMERS PURSUE THEIR CAREERS IN ONTARIO
Minister Chambers Calls On The Federal Government To Take On Its Fair Share
TORONTO – It’s time for the federal government to contribute its fair share towards helping newcomers settle in Ontario, said Mary Anne Chambers, Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, during her presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
“Over
the last three years, Ontario has attracted 57 per cent of Canada’s
immigrants, but just 34 per cent of federal funding for their
settlement,” said Chambers. “It just does not make sense that Ottawa
spends an average of $819 per immigrant on settlement services in Ontario,
compared with more than $3,800 per immigrant in Quebec.”
That difference in funding for immigration settlement is part of the
larger gap between what the federal government collects in revenue from
Ontario and what it returns to the province in spending.
“That
gap has grown so much over the last ten years – from $2 billion to $23
billion – it now compromises our ability to invest in our province’s
future prosperity,” said Chambers.
“We need to narrow the gap so we can make the investments we need
to make. We cannot afford to waste the immense skills, knowledge and
experience that newcomers bring to our province.”
The
McGuinty government has made it a priority to help newcomers put their
skills and experience to work in Ontario more quickly. The government will
provide $12.5 million more annually by 2005-06 to meet this commitment,
which will include:
·
·
Working with professional
regulatory bodies and employers to increase access and eliminate barriers
to credential recognition and job entry.
·
·
Expanding training services to help
internationally trained individuals make the transition to Ontario’s
workforce.
· · Improving information on employment opportunities and requirements for individuals considering immigration to Ontario.
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