While our Government has been increasing investments in settlement funding, it is worth noting that the Government of Manitoba has decreased its contribution to settlement services, from $1.33M in 2008-09 to $1.20M in 2010-11. Manitoba's contribution represents less than 3.6% of total federal settlement allocations in the province. In short, we've increased investments in Manitoba by 400%, while the Government of Manitoba has decreased their funding by 10%.

Let me be clear: the change in who administers settlement funding is completely separate and has nothing to do with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or immigration to Manitoba. In fact, since being elected in 2006, we have tripled the number of newcomers to Manitoba coming through the PNP. In 2004, only 4,000 people were admitted through the PNP, versus over 12,000 being admitted in 2010.

Our Government has provided generous support for integration programs for newcomers because we believe they are an essential part of our great country. While we look forward to working closely with the provinces in delivering these programs, we believe it is important to avoid the development of a patchwork approach to the important work of settling new Canadians.

I trust this clears up some of the misconceptions that are out there regarding this Government's commitment to immigration in Manitoba. Rest assured that our Government's generous levels of support for Manitoba, from transfer payments to direct investments in healthcare and other programs, continue. We're committed to doing our part to invest in Manitoba's people, programs and infrastructure. Welcoming new Canadians to communities in Portage-Lisgar and across the province is a large part of this.

Sincerely,

Candice Hoeppner

Member of Parliament

Portage-Lisgar, Manitoba

Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Public Safety