The province is now reinvesting roughly $3.1 million into support services for newcomers.

Miriam Turyamwijuka is the Coordinator at Portage Learning and Literacy Centre in Portage la Prairie, and she shares, this is excellent news for the newcomers here in our city.

Turyamwijuka outlines before the announcement the centre was funded by the federal government, which she stresses was good, but only allowed them to help permanent residents. She explains they are now free to provide settlement services to everybody, be it work permits, visitors visas, or new Canadians.

Turyamwijuka adds it's important to know the funds do not come from tax dollars. She explains the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) introduced in 2016 will cover the cost. MPNP was created to reduce processing times, quicken nominations, and generate revenue through a $500 application fee for skilled workers, and a $2,500 fee for business applications.

Turyamwijuka notes it's very exciting news, and she is looking forward to being able to offer settlement support services to more people.

MLA Ian Wishart says “The Province is living up to our commitment to immigrants and refugees in Manitoba helping people adjust to living here and being a part of our community.”