Canada provides immigrant support for Thunder Bay

28 August 2008

The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association will receive funding from the Canadian federal government to assist immigrants with settling and integrating into Canadian society.

The funding of CAD $2 million will go toward providing settlement services such as language training, a mentorship program, and referrals to employment-related programs and community resources.

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our government believe in immigration and is committed to helping newcomers and their families succeed when they get here," said Joe Commuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North.

"Settlement services give newcomers the help they need to learn one of our official languages, find a job and settle into the community," he added. "Their successful integration is good for this community and good for Canada."

Thunder Bay is the most populated municipality in Northwestern Ontario. The area has a growing 'knowledge economy' based on medical research and education, and provides an attractive destination for people immigrating to Canada under the nation's federal skilled worker category.

Cathy Woodbeck, Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, said that her organization is privileged to serve migrants in Northwestern Ontario.

"The funding provided by the federal Government is an investment in our newcomers, our communities and our future," she added. "It is our mandate to help immigrants and refugees begin their lives in Canada and to make the settlement and integration process smoother and easier for them."