Ontario Legislature Passes Immigration Resolution
McGuinty Government Expects Fairness For Ontarians
December 9, 2010 News release
News
The Ontario legislature unanimously passed a government resolution calling on the federal government to immediately negotiate a new Canada Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA) and spend promised funds for settlement and language programs in the province.
The resolution calls on the federal government to:
- support the integration of newcomers and Ontario’s economic recovery
- spend the outstanding $207 million it promised to Ontario’s newcomers
- begin negotiations on a comprehensive new agreement that gives Ontario adequate funding, planning and governance of settlement and language services.
Shortly after the passage of the resolution calling for a new COIA, the federal government formally confirmed its willingness to enter into negotiations.
Integrating newcomers so they can make a contribution to Ontario’s success is vital to the province’s future, and integral to the government’s Open Ontario Plan to strengthen the economy by investing in the skills and knowledge of all Ontarians.
Quotes
"“Immigration is an economic imperative for Ontario. 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." - Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Quick Facts
- More than 100,000 immigrants arrive in Ontario every year – almost half of all newcomers to Canada.
- Ottawa has not spent $207 million promised in the first COIA to help newcomers settle and find work.
- Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba all have immigration agreements that give them greater provincial control over immigration spending and programs.
- British Columbia’s agreement was renewed earlier this year, but the federal government is denying Ontario a similar agreement.
Learn More
Contact
- Indira Naidoo-Harris, Minister's Office, 416-325-6205
- Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, 416-314- 7010
