The federal government has announced nearly $12.9 million to to help attract, integrate and retain francophone newcomers in southeastern New Brunswick.
The so-called Centre for Innovation on Francophone Immigration and Economic Prosperity will serve the region with 30 to 40 public servants.
At Dieppe City Hall on Friday, Beausejour MP Dominic LeBlanc noted the demographic challenges the province is facing and the success of immigration in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.
“You can hardly say that the hundreds of thousands of people a year that they welcome to their provinces haven’t helped build a more prosperous economy and a more vibrant society.”
MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor added we have an aging population and thousands will be leaving Greater Moncton’s workforce over the next decade.
“The figure is 17,000 retirements. We desperately new blood and fresh thinking of new Canadians and we need the promise of the future their children offer.”
Ottawa will also contribute $6 million to the new immigration centre each year on an ongoing basis.
