Ida Chong, B.C.'s minister of regional economic and skills development.
In stark contrast to the federal cutbacks for immigration services, British Columbia is pitching in additional funds to ensure that new arrivals get the help they need, B.C. minister Ida Chong says.
Immigrant settlement services agencies were told just before Christmas that the federal government is chopping $53-million from its $598.7-million budget to help newcomers settle and adapt to life in Canada. Ontario will receive about $43-million less while support in B.C. will drop by about $8.5-million.
"The federal reductions will not have an impact on the overall level of services to clients in this province," Ms. Chong, minister of regional economic and skills development, said in an e-mail response Friday to a request for an interview.
B.C. puts in an additional $10-million to these programs on top of the federal funding, she said. A multi-year planning approach makes it possible for the province to maintain its level of services, despite the federal reduction, she added.
"Immigrants make a vital contribution towards British Columbia's overall competitiveness and prosperity, and the province provides a range of services to ensure newcomers receive the help they need," Ms. Chong said.
Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has said the cutbacks reflect a change in the number of permanent migrants in Canada, with fewer immigrants coming to Toronto and Vancouver.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada reports the number of permanent migrants in B.C. has fluctuated over the past five years from a peak of around 45,000 in 2005 to about 39,000 two years later. Last year, B.C. had 41,438 permanent migrants.
However spokesmen for immigrant settlement services agencies in B.C. said the demand for services has not changed in recent years.
Eyob Naizghi, executive director for Mosaic, an immigrant and refugee agency, said the demand for services remains constant. The agency serves about 19,000 immigrants annually. He was surprised when he heard media reports Thursday about a drop in immigration.
Melissa McDowell, of the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of B.C., says the level of funding for immigrant services will not be known until the provincial budget is released this spring. The AMSSA represents 70 service provides, including 21 school districts, which are involved in settlement programs.
The B.C. government is expected to put out requests for proposals for immigrant services in January. Agencies that apply will find out whether they have the funds to continue their services later in the year.
Liberal critic Ujjal Dosanjh, MP for Vancouver South, said the federal government was cutting funds for a group that was "easy to target." As newcomers, they have no vote and are rarely heard, he said.
"There people are in dire need," he said, adding that they often lack resources and language skills to integrate.