Honouring newcomers' contributions to Canada

OTTAWA, Jan. 29, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander congratulated winners of the Third Annual Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, which recognizes the entrepreneurial success of newcomers who have made Canada their home.

These awards, organized by the City of Ottawa in partnership with the Economic Club of Canada, recognize four exceptional individuals who have made great contributions to the entrepreneurial community in Ottawa.

The Immigrant Entrepreneur Award winners include: Anand Aggarwal, Manor Park Development; Abdul Haseeb Awan, BitAccess Inc.; Mona Kalra, Maple Care Physiotherapy Inc.; and Peyman Yazdani – Subway Restaurants.

Quick facts

• The government has significantly increased funding for newcomer settlement services in jurisdictions outside of Quebec, from less than $200 million in 2005-06 to almost $600 million in 2014-15.
• More than 700 service provider organizations across Canada receive funds dedicated to helping newcomers adjust to life in Canada.
• The government is committed to ensuring that newcomers integrate and contribute fully to the Canadian economy, and to their communities, as soon as possible.
• Programs like The Start-Up Visa provide a link between Canadian private sector organizations with expertise in supporting and working with start-ups with entrepreneurs from around the world who have the plans and ideas necessary to build a successful company in Canada.

Quote

"Our government is proud to support innovation and entrepreneurship that benefits the Canadian economy and contributes to job creation. I am pleased to recognize the hard work of these talented individuals who are living proof that newcomers from different parts of the world can successfully bring new ideas and opportunities to communities across Canada."

Chris Alexander, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister

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Photos of Minister Alexander available at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/photos/index.asp

Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.

 

SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Contacts: Kevin Menard, Minister's Office, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations: Communications Branch, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]