Ontario Legislature Calls on Ottawa to Negotiate New Immigration Agreement

In a unanimous vote, the Ontario Legislature called on the federal government to immediately begin negotiations on a new Canada Ontario Immigration Agreement. The resolution also asks Ottawa to spend the remaining $207 million it promised for newcomer settlement and language programs in the province. “Immigration is an economic imperative for Ontario,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “The federal government needs to treat Ontario's newcomers fairly, and give Ontarians a new and stronger Canada Ontario Immigration Agreement. I am encouraged that the federal government has agreed to come to the table, but this is just the beginning and there is more work to be done."Negotiations will start in January.

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Newcomer Information at your Finger Tips

The popular Welcome to Ontario plain language booklet for newcomers is now available in a mobile version formatted to fit smart phone screens. First launched in 2008, the award winning booklet gives newcomers information on local settlement services, transportation, health care services, the education system volunteering and human rights. The move to mobile was prompted by research showing that migrants are key drivers in the use of mobile technology. Moreover, by 2011, more than 85 percent of cell phones shipped globally are expected to include a browser, encouraging greater use of mobile applications and online services.

Because more people are getting and consuming information on-line, the ministry is increasingly making information available electronically and through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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Lincoln M. Alexander Award Recipients

A community activist from Toronto was one of three recipients of this year’s Lincoln M. Alexander Award. Twenty-five year old Antonius Jamal Clarke received the Award for founding the Friends in Trouble Youth Initiative that has assisted more than 5,000 individuals and families since its creation, in 2004. Sophia Kemeh of Turner Fenton Secondary School from Brampton and Mariajosé Lopez of Central Commerce Collegiate from Toronto each received a student award.

The Lincoln M. Alexander Award was launched in 1993, in honour of Ontario’s first black Lieutenant Governor. The award recognizes young people who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in eliminating racial discrimination.

Each year, three young people, between the ages of 16 and 25, receive an award of $5,000 each and a framed scroll.

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Please Take Our Short Readership Survey

This is our fourth issue and we would like to know what you think about ActiveCitizen. Our aim is to provide you with timely and useful information about the ministry’s programs and initiatives. Please take our short readership survey.

Update: Pan-Canadian Framework for Foreign Qualification Recognition

One year ago Ontario signed the Pan-Canadian Framework for Foreign Qualification Recognition, an agreement between the federal and the provincial governments to streamline the process to recognize the credentials that newcomers bring to Canada.

Ontario is a leader in Canada in reducing barriers for newcomers. In the past five years, the province has launched:

• HealthForceOntario
• Ontario Bridge Training Programs, which get newcomers licensed or prepared to work in their field quickly
• The first legislation in Canada to make the licensing process for regulated professions fair, open and transparent for internationally trained individuals, the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act (FARPA)
• The Office of the Fairness Commissioner, and
• Global Experience Ontario
• Specialized Language Training Programs

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Volunteer Service Awards Tour Dates

2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the Volunteer Service Awards. In the quarter century since this award started, more than 150,000 volunteers from all over Ontario have received a VSA pin. This year, VSA ceremonies will be coming to 48 communities to honour approximately 10,000 more volunteers. Nominations for a 2011 VSA will be accepted until January 25. Nominations received after that date will be reviewed for the 2012 VSAs.

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