| OTTAWA, January 21, 2003 - The Honourable
Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today welcomed
the release of 2001 census data on citizenship and immigration trends
and realities.
"Immigration has always played an important role in building
Canadian society, and we can see that this trend is continuing,"
said Minister Coderre. "The data released today reinforce the
emphasis of the 2002 Speech from the Throne on Canada's openness
to immigrants and how this country will continue to be a place where
immigrants will find hope, hospitality and opportunity."
Minister Coderre was pleased to note the high number of immigrants
who took up Canadian citizenship. "So many immigrants choose
to become Canadians because they recognize the Canadian values of
respect, freedom, peace and belonging," he said. "The
new citizenship bill, which I tabled in the House of Commons in
the fall, highlights these values and will modernize our legislation
to emphasize the responsibilities and rights that go along with
Canadian citizenship."
Minister Coderre acknowledged that many immigrants choose to settle
in major urban centres. "The challenge will be to encourage
immigrants to settle in other regions of Canada to allow all parts
of the country to benefit from immigration. It is the responsibility
of all levels of government and other organizations to cooperate
in this regard," he said. "I have met with my provincial
colleagues and we have agreed to work together to develop flexible
approaches to attract immigrants to smaller centres. We plan to
meet again regularly to further discuss these strategies.
"We are also committed to working with our partners to help
immigrants become full participants in Canadian society," added
Minister Coderre. "It is important to reduce any barriers faced
by new immigrants in settling into their new communities. This is
why we have changed the selection criteria for certain immigrants
and why our partners are working to resolve the problem of credential
recognition."
The Minister also confirmed that Citizenship and Immigration Canada
will use the new census data and other research to shape future
policies and initiatives.
The 2001 census data released today also report on the birthplace
of immigrants, visible minority communities and the ethnic origins
of those who call Canada home.
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