NDP calls for cooperation with municipalities on immigration

OTTAWA—The Federal Government must do more to help municipalities integrate new Canadians, says Don Davies (Vancouver-Kingsway), Official Opposition Critic for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Davies was responding to a report released today by the Canadian Federation of Municipalities which shows that Federal settlement programs have not kept up with changing immigrant settlement patterns.

“This report should serve as a wake-up call for the Federal Government to work more closely with municipalities on immigration,” said Davies. “The Canadian economy depends on the successful integration of new Canadians, and the Federal government has a clear role to play in supporting that work at the local level.”

The report outlines weaknesses in the current system and makes several welcome suggestions, including a proposal to expand the timeframe when new Canadians can access integration programs and setting clear, holistic targets for successful community integration.

The report also points out that newcomers face challenges in finding affordable housing and are twice as likely to rely on public transit.

"Without accessible, fast and affordable transit, newcomers have difficulties getting to work, going to school and integrating into their communities," said Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina), NDP Transport critic. "Conservative government must provide stable, long term and sustainable transit funding to Canadian municipalities and communities. It's time to get Canada moving with a national public transit strategy."