The Manitoba government is investing $5.1 million through the Newcomer Community Integration Support program in 15 organizations, including the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce, to assist in the integration of newcomers to Manitoba.

“As refugees from Ukraine begin to arrive in Manitoba, this investment will help build a network of services and a community of care supports for all newcomers right across the province,” said Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Minister Jon Reyes. “This investment also aligns with the Economic Growth Action Plan and the Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy to ensure newcomers are able to participate fully in the community and contribute to a growing economy.”

Earlier this year, the Manitoba government issued a call for applications to service delivery organizations that directly support newcomers, drive labour market attachment and contribute to the economic growth in the province. This funding process ensures a range of settlement providers can apply for government support for their projects, noted Reyes.

Manitoba Start will receive $3 million in funding to provide services that connect newcomers to settlement, orientation, language and employment services. The province is providing the other $2.1 million to 14 organizations for settlement projects across the province including:

  • Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities;
  • Family Dynamics;
  • Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc.;
  • Immigrant Centre Manitoba Inc.;
  • Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc.;
  • Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network Incorporated;
  • Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services Inc.;
  • North West Regional Immigrant Services Inc.;
  • Portage Learning and Literacy Centre Inc.;
  • Regional Connections Immigrant Services;
  • Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM);
  • Steinbach Chamber of Commerce; and
  • Westman Immigrant Services.

Supporting Employment and Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (SEED) was approved for their Recognition Counts program, which provides supports to skilled immigrants wishing to work in their fields of expertise or alternative career in Manitoba.

Approximately 6,000 newcomers along with their families and communities are expected to benefit from these projects, which help support newcomers as they settle into the community, enhance their ability to participate in the labour market and accelerate their overall integration and settlement in Manitoba.

The minister noted these projects provide integration services for all newcomers, including skilled workers with temporary work permits and international students with study permits who are normally ineligible for federal settlement supports.

“The Manitoba government recognizes that immigration is a key priority for the province, particularly as we recover from the pandemic,” said Reyes. “Settlement services that support the meaningful integration of newcomers help drive our economy by supporting stronger and longer-term economic attachment and newcomer retention.”

For more information on immigration to Manitoba, visit immigratemanitoba.com.