One year extension to Ontario and Canadian Immigration agreement

Canada, 7th May: In a bid to ease successful integration of newcomers in Canada’s Ontario, a one-year extension has been granted to the Ontario and Canadian immigration agreement.

The extension to the COIA (Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement) was signed by the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Honorable Jason Kenney along with Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Dr. Eric Hoskins.

Minister Kenney said that the extension to the COIA is a commitment to continue constant efforts to attract, invite, retain and successfully integrate new immigrants into Ontario’s communities. Moreover, the extension also signals finding new ways to bring desired improvements in immigrant results, Mr. Kenney added.

The Canadian immigration minister said the extension of the agreement is an expression of Canada immigration department’s support for various immigrant settlement schemes including those for newcomers and language training programs.

Ontario has been allocated three hundred and twenty million dollars ($320 million) for the year 2010-2011 apart from the annual settlement funds amounting to $108 million. The additional funds will aid new immigrants to Ontario and will be spent on providing services for better settlement. 

Minister Hoskins also expressed his pleasure in signing the extension to the immigration agreement saying it will help newcomers receive all the relevant services for settlement and success in their new homes.

The agreement extension between Canada and Ontario is likely to strengthen several existing collaborative schemes between Canada and Ontario concerning immigration. It also recognizes the need of involving different service providers and community stakeholders in welcoming new immigrants into Canada. 

The Government of Canada expresses its commitment to work in collaboration with Ontario, including local municipalities, local settlement service providers and other local stakeholders to bring improvements in the quality of lives of immigrants in Ontario.

Immigration is the lifeblood of Ontario. Hence, inviting increased number of immigrants into Ontario to fulfill various social and economic needs will ultimately help in increased contributions towards the economic, social and cultural goals of Canada and will enable Ontario to compete on global stage as a preferred place to immigrate.