Jason Kenney upbeat on immigration to Canada

In a speech in Winnipeg, Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism for Canada, emphasized the government's continued commitment to maintaining a dynamic immigration program and to the successful integration of newcomers.

'Just as immigration has played a strong role in our past, it will continue to be important to our future' he said in his address to the Canadian Club of Winnipeg. 'Canada is respected around the world for the way we've managed to bring in people from all over the globe. We have done this with a spirit of openness and tolerance, embracing diversity and becoming stronger for it.'

He went on to say that he 'look(ed) forward to the privilege of serving as Canada's Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism as we continue our commitment to reuniting families, to maintaining our humanitarian obligations to refugees, and to supporting Canada's economy.'

Also highlighted in the speech were recent important improvements to the immigration program, including the introduction of the Canadian Experience Class, the creation of the Foreign Credentials Referral Office and the five-year, CAD 1.4 billion plan to improve immigrant settlement services across the country.