Ontario Pushing For Fair Deal For New Canadians

McGuinty Government Fights For Equality Despite Slow Progress

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto- February 24, 2011 - Ontario is fighting to help newcomers integrate more quickly and strengthen our economy, and needs the federal government to treat Ontario fairly.

Ontario is in negotiations with the federal government and is pushing for the same treatment already given to Manitoba, Quebec and British Columbia. However, Ontario's proposals for fairness from the federal government have only been met with inflexibility.
Ontario is pushing for a fair agreement that benefits newcomers and the province by:

• Providing better services that will help newcomers settle and succeed in Ontario
• Giving the province a stronger voice in selecting newcomers that come to the province;
• Reducing administrative burdens and duplication by flowing funds directly to the province; and
• Asking the federal government to reverse the $44 million in recent cuts to services.

The current Canada Ontario Immigration Agreement (COIA) expires March 31, 2011.
Ontario's diversity is a strength that allows the province to compete globally. Helping new Canadians contribute to the province's success is an important part of the McGuinty government's Open Ontario plan to strengthen our economy by investing in the skills and knowledge of all Ontarians.