Government of Canada launches innovative program to help newcomer youth
London, November 17, 2010 — The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.6 million to help newcomer youth and their families in London, Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
The Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program provides newcomer families with an interactive orientation to the Ontario school system as well as referrals to settlement agencies and other community support services. Settlement workers also engage with students, parents and school staff to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity in London area schools.
“The Government of Canada is helping newcomer youth and their families succeed,” said MP Holder. “This investment will help improve the lives of young newcomers to London. When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of Canada.”
“Our government knows that helping newcomer families get settled is key to their success,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Settlement resources need to be easily accessible. By making settlement workers available in schools in the London area, we are making sure that the needs of our newcomer families are met.”
“This is a great example of how a community partnership can help students and their families who are new to Canada adjust to their new home in London,” said Jeffery Robinson, Learning Coordinator at the Thames Valley District School Board. “Schools are a hub for a community and a natural meeting place for the children and parents of new Canadians.”
Since 2005, the Government of Canada has more than tripled its annual spending on settlement services for newcomers in Ontario. For 2010-11, the Government of Canada is allocating $428 million in Ontario for settlement services for newcomers, such as language training, job search workshops and placing settlement workers in schools.
