WELCOMEBC TO HELP IMMIGRANTS SETTLE, ACCESS WORK

VANCOUVER – WelcomeBC, a new immigration initiative unveiled by Premier Gordon Campbell today, will help immigrants moving to British Columbia access existing and expanded services under one umbrella so they are better able to adapt to life in their new communities.

“WelcomeBC will help newcomers to British Columbia find everything from important information about English language courses to employment, health, education and recreation services in their new communities,” said Campbell. “We are investing $43 million over two years through WelcomeBC to help expand these important services and help immigrants adapt to their new life in British Columbia.”

B.C. continues to be Canada’s most popular destination, per capita, for new immigrants. About 42,200 immigrants moved to the province in 2006.

“By uniting B.C.'s comprehensive settlement and integration initiatives under the new WelcomeBC brand, we are better enabling newcomers to access these important services,” Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism Wally Oppal said. “WelcomeBC sends immigrants a message that we all benefit when newcomers can participate fully in local economies and community life.”

Under the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Cooperation on Immigration last fall, the Province negotiated an additional $71.5 million in federal funding, over two years, for services for the province’s growing immigrant population and $1.573 million for anti-racism and multiculturalism services. Other programs are being developed in consultation with immigrant settlement service providers, using available funding.

Today’s WelcomeBC funding, the first in a series of anticipated enhancements over the next two years, will reduce wait times for English language training and increase access to advanced language training for those trying to gain employment. The initiative will improve immigrants’ access to jobs, reduce barriers for refugees and assist newcomers to settle into their communities. It will also help immigrant youth and their families.

Over the next two years, WelcomeBC will provide:

· $9 million to reduce wait lists for beginner English language services for adults (ELSA);

· $12 million to expand intermediate (level 4 and 5) ELSA classes;

· another $2 million to expand intermediate ELSA courses for immigrants entering or in the labour market outside of the Lower Mainland;

· $8 million to increase information and settlement services such as health care access, employment and recreation services to help immigrants adjust to living in British Columbia;

· $11 million for settlement workers to assist new students in schools in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Greater Victoria; and

· $1.6 million for improved information and outreach services for immigrants facing multiple barriers.

Pilot projects will 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.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. chief executive officer Tung Chan applauded the increased funding for English language services.

“Immigrants frequently need English language training to obtain well-paying jobs and to find their way around their communities,” said Chan. “WelcomeBC will assist immigrants and their families to succeed economically and socially.”

“This new funding will support immigrants to access English language training and other much-needed services,” said Brenda Lohrenz of ELSA Net, a society of ELSA service providers in B.C. “ELSA providers greatly appreciate the efforts the Ministry of Attorney General has made to secure increased funding for settlement language services in our province.”

“AMSSA welcomes this new funding, as it will enable immigrant settlement agencies to work more effectively with immigrants, particularly those who need advanced English language skills to move forward in their careers and to integrate into B.C. communities,” said Lynn Moran, executive director of the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of B.C.

WelcomeBC will appear on publications and the Province’s multiculturalism and immigration website at www.ag.gov.bc.ca/immigration/index.htm to aid immigrants in locating government and community resources that can help them to settle in British Columbia.

To access WelcomeBC services, go to www.gov.bc.ca or call EnquiryBC at 1-800-663-7867. In Greater Vancouver, call EnquiryBC at 604-660-2421; in Greater Victoria, 250-387-6121.

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

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