BACKGROUNDER
2007OTP0085-000783 June 13, 2007	Office of the Premier Ministry of Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism
WELCOMEBC IMMIGRATION SETTLEMENT AND MULTICULTURALISM SERVICES

·        WelcomeBC unites British Columbia’s immigration settlement and multiculturalism strategies under a single initiative. Funding is through the Ministry of Attorney General, which has responsibility for multiculturalism and immigration.

·        The $43 million announced today will be provided to reduce wait lists for adult English as a second language courses, make advanced English language services available to adults, offer information services to help immigrants adjust to living in B.C. and explore new ways of helping the most vulnerable newcomers, including refugees, as well as youth, children and families. Settlement workers, located directly in schools, will assist young people to succeed in school and at home.

·        These funds are part of $71.5 million in new federal funding for settlement programs negotiated by the Province under last fall’s Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration.

·        New federal funding of $1.573 million for anti-racism and multiculturalism services in B.C. will continue to support activities that prevent and eliminate racism by enhancing community understanding of multiculturalism and cultural diversity.

·        WelcomeBC has six key goals:

1.          Building a stronger foundation for immigrant success.

2.          Addressing barriers to successful adaptation for the most vulnerable immigrants (refugees).

3.          Improving labour market access for new immigrants.

4.          Strengthening community capacity throughout B.C.

5.          Fostering a bright future for immigrant youth and their families.

6.          Supporting welcoming and inclusive communities.

 

·        WelcomeBC complements other government priorities, including:

·            ReadNow – by ensuring adult English as a second language (ESL) classes are available for immigrants who need it, at all levels, across the province.

·            WorkBC – by attracting and recruiting new workers to fill skills shortages and help regional economies to thrive.

·            ActNow – by using adult ESL classes to encourage newcomers to stay healthy by eating well and exercising regularly.

·            Asia Pacific initiative – help build the province’s links to the Asia Pacific region by organizing the delivery of community dialogues on multiculturalism throughout B.C.

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Media contact:	Linda Mueller Communications Manager Ministry of Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism 250 387-4961	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218
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