Markham, ON – Jan. 24, 2007:
Breaking Down Barriers for Settlement of Newcomers in York Region

According to a study, York Region is the preferred location of residence and work by a large number of recent immigrants. Community Snapshots published by York Region reports,“In York Region, our newest Canadians the recent immigrant population is increasing at a faster rate than the non-immigrant population. Between 1991-2001, the number of recent immigrants increased by 132% and the number of non-immigrants increased by 31%.” In contrast to the advance in the number of immigrants to York Region, there has been inadequate funding to reflect the new immigration patterns. According to Statistics Canada the federal and provincial funding for immigrant services in York Region has been continuously declining; as of 2001/2002 York Region received the lowest level of funding amongst the five GTA municipalities.

Human Endeavour organized a roundtable meeting of the leading organizations in York Region  with Honourable Mike Colle, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Michael Chan, provincial liberal candidate in Markham. The purpose of this roundtable was to identify and present the challenges and issues faced by agencies and organizations in serving the vast number of clients and the range of services required and advocate for funding that would result in more focused and balanced service delivery and planning. Human Endeavour hosted and organized this event. Executive Director of Human Endeavour Noor Din, gave a presentation on key issues facing newcomers in York Region.

Minister Colle’s presence in this meeting was in continuation to the historic Bill124, Fair Access to Regulated Professions. The Bill was passed recently and to keep up the momentum and further help the newcomers to Canada this meeting dealt specifically with organizations serving the immigrants in York Region to help in their social, economic and settlement problems. Minister Colle has demonstrated leadership and dedication in supporting newcomers and building a prosperous Ontario. He listened to the concerns of the agencies and told them about the several new initiatives for York Region. Minister Colle outlined the investments the Ontario government is providing in York Region and throughout the GTA. He also spoke of the need to have a comprehensive plan to address the needs of this high-growth area. Minister Colle suggested continuing future consultation meetings to develop comprehensive plans and services.

Michael Chan expressed his views that he could relate to the struggle of the newcomers, being an immigrant himself and having the first hand experience. He said that the meeting would help him understand the existing services and key challenges faced by the agencies serving newcomers in York Region.

Minister Colle awarded “Certificate of Recognition” to Human Endeavour for its contribution of sharing information about networks and resources available to newcomers in Ontario. After the meeting, the Minister Colle and Michael Chan held a press conference and answered the questions of the media.

For more information contact Human Endeavour at 416-726-3252 or visit www.humanendeavour.org