NEWS

Four municipalities are developing websites to promote themselves to newcomers whose skills and education will help their local economies prosper.

With $1 million from the Ontario government, Hamilton, North Bay, Smiths Falls and Timmins will create new online gateways to attract newcomers.  London is receiving funds to expand its existing immigration site.

The websites help newcomers and potential immigrants get the information they need to settle successfully in Ontario. They will provide essential information and links to resources about the region, such as:

• living
• working
• studying, and
• doing business

Each website will link to OntarioImmigration.ca, the province’s immigration portal.

Since 2006, 17 regions have received funding to create websites aimed at encouraging newcomers to settle in those areas. Websites for London, Toronto, Ottawa, Sudbury, Windsor and York Region are already online.  Waterloo, Sault Ste. Marie, Lambton County, Peel, Chatham-Kent, Niagara and Brantford will soon be showcased on OntarioImmigration.ca. 

Funding for the websites and portal is provided through the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement between the province and the federal government.

QUOTES

“These new websites are part of the McGuinty government’s plan to strengthen regional economies by attracting immigration and investment to these communities,” said Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan.

QUICK FACTS

1. Since its launch in 2006, OntarioImmigration.ca has received over 30 million hits.
2. By 2011, most of Ontario’s net labour force growth will come from immigration.
3. More than 70 per cent of adult newcomers have a post-secondary education.

LEARN MORE

• Visit Ontario’s online immigration portal (www.ontarioimmigration.ca)
• Learn about working in Ontario (www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/working/experience)
• To access video, pictures and audio of today’s announcement, visit the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Media Centre

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Contacts:
Coralie D'Souza,  Minister’s Office, (416) 325-6204
Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7010