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Opposition asks about immigration policy Will province offer funding for immigrants? October 24, 2005
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Roland Butler, Opposition Human Resources, Labour and Employment Critic and
MHA for the District of Port de Grave, is asking questions about the
government’s immigration policy in light of funding increases in other
provinces. Recent media reports (Globe and mail, Oct. 19, 2005, page A5) indicate that other jurisdictions are increasing the amount of money they are spending to assist new immigrants get settled in their provinces. The government of Ontario is expected to quadruple the amount for each immigrant to $3,400 from the current $800. In Quebec, the amount of funding provided is already $3,600. "If we are serious about attracting and retaining immigrants in this province, we have to be aware of what is happening in other provinces and develop a strategy that suits our circumstances," said Butler. "I am not sure what funding levels are currently available in this province for immigrants and what changes the Minister is planning as a result of the development of the new immigration strategy she started back in June of this year. I am interested in seeing the reaction of the Minister to what is happening in Ontario." This Summer (NLIS June 28,2005), the Minister released a discussion paper on immigration and recently concluded a series of consultations around the province. The news release from the department at the time noted that other jurisdictions in Canada now view increased immigration as one means to address issues such as a declining population and skill shortages in the labour market. The Atlantic premiers have agreed to work together to promote the region to increase the number immigrants who settle in the Atlantic provinces. "Given that the consultation meetings held around the province were by invitation only, the Minister should be commenting publicly on the issues being discussed and encouraging a wider public discussion. While members of the public can make written submissions to the process, these important issues are not receiving enough public debate. It is my view that good public policy comes from informed public debate, but the Minister has not been very forthcoming in terms of the policy direction government is considering going or what they have been hearing from the people they consulted. "Immigrants make an important contribution to this province in terms of social, cultural and economic benefits. I think it is important that we have a public debate on this issue and enter into the new initiative in an informed way." |
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