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2004-01
IMMIGRATION MINISTERS MEET WITH ONTARIO
MUNICIPALITIES
TORONTO, February 9, 2004 — The Honourable
Judy Sgro, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Canada, and the Honourable Marie Bountrogianni, Ontario
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, met today with
several Ontario municipal leaders to discuss immigration
matters.
“Immigration has changed from an agricultural and
frontier phenomenon to an urban reality. Today’s meeting
is a good first step as cities become engaged in the
planning of Canada’s immigration program,” said Minister
Sgro.
Minister Bountrogianni said, “I am optimistic that by
spring 2004 we can reach a framework immigration
agreement, one that helps newcomers to the province
integrate more successfully into our society and
economy, and feel welcomed in the communities where they
choose to live. Today's dialogue with municipalities has
been an important step to help guide us to a more
effective agreement.”
Today’s meeting was part of the Ontario government’s
ongoing consultations with immigration stakeholders as
it prepares to negotiate an immigration agreement with
the Government of Canada. The meeting also allowed the
Government of Canada to hear the views of cities and
municipalities on the future direction for immigration.
In 2003, 50 percent of newcomers to Canada settled in
Toronto, Ontario’s capital city. Ontario receives almost
60 percent of immigrants to Canada, and is the only
province without an immigration agreement with the
Government of Canada.
Municipal leaders attending the meeting included
those from Toronto, Mississauga, Markham, Hamilton,
Sudbury and the regions of York and Waterloo. The
President of the Association of Municipalities of
Ontario and the mayor of Oakville also attended.
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For more information:
Simone MacAndrew
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Tel: (613) 954-1064
Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Tel: (613) 952-0740
James Ip
Minister’s Office
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship
and Immigration
Tel: (416) 325-6207
Elaine Thompson
Communications Branch
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship
and Immigration
Tel: (416) 314-6401
www.gov.on.ca/citizenship
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