[LabComm] James Condemns Campbell Government's Attack on Immigrant Services

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

James Condemns Campbell Government's Attack on Immigrant Services

NDP Leader Says BC Liberals Have Hurt Community and Volunteer Organizations
NDP Leader Says BC Liberals Have Hurt Community and Volunteer Organizations
NDP Leader Says BC Liberals Have Hurt Community and Volunteer Organizations

Vancouver – NDP Leader Carole James today condemned the Campbell government's attack on organizations providing services to immigrants.  She said that the BC Liberals' decision to dramatically re-organize the delivery of those services is creating chaos and uncertainty in the immigrant services community.

"Once again, Gordon Campbell and his government have demonstrated a willful ignorance of the issues that face new British Columbians and the communities that support them," said James. "With his decision to dramatically change the delivery of immigrant services, Gordon Campbell has put at risk some of the most successful immigrant settlement programs in the country."

For years, the BC government has funded community organizations to provide immigrant settlement services, including English-as-a-second-language training, programs to match immigrants with Canadians, and other settlement services.  Without consultation, the government changed direction, eliminating funding for many organization with established track records providing these services.

"It's clear from the government's actions that the BC Liberals don't appreciate or understand the critical role these organizations play in helping new immigrants adjust to life in British Columbia," said NDP MLA Jenny Kwan.  "Quality immigrant settlement programs help new Canadians contribute to the economic and social fabric of our province.  With those programs in jeopardy, Gordon Campbell is showing an incredible insensitivity to the challenges new Canadians face."

NDP MLA Jagrup Brar said that community organizations providing immigrant settlement services have developed huge volunteer bases and enormous expertise in the field.  He said that Gordon Campbell is sacrificing that expertise and experience with no evidence that cost-savings or service improvements will result.

"The only person who could take incredibly successful programs like these and destroy them with one mean-spirited and short-sighted decision is Gordon Campbell," said Brar.  "Mr. Campbell's decision will actually cost the taxpayer more money as the new organizations develop the experience and expertise that the former providers have demonstrated for more than 20 years."

James, Kwan and Brar made their comments following a meeting with immigrant settlement organizations to discuss their concerns.

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