Grande-Rivière, March 30, 2009 – MNA for Gaspé Georges Mamelonet today welcomed Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities Yolande James at the launching of a first partnership agreement in the field of immigration and the integration of immigrants.

This $870 000 agreement will enable the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region to more extensively benefit from the contribution made by immigration.

The announcement of this major investment took place at the École des pêches et de l’aquaculture du Québec in Grande-Rivière. Gilbert Scantland, general manager of the Conférence régionale des élus de la Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Jacques Veillette, President of the Conseil régional des partenaires du marché du travail, and numerous regional partners also attended the event.

“From the outset, the government has supported the regions’ receptiveness to diversity and their desire to benefit from the contribution of immigration,” Minister James noted. “Through this first agreement, the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region is giving itself the means of attracting and retaining new workers and new families who will contribute to populating its territory, satisfying its manpower needs and maintaining the quality of life of its communities.”

In practical terms, this three-year agreement will make it possible to mobilize all of the partners wishing to commit themselves to promoting immigration in the region. Partnerships will also be established with immigration reception and support organizations in order to develop the immigrants’ interest in the region and foster their occupational and social integration into communities in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.

“The population of the region is open to immigration. By working together and coordinating our initiatives, we can encourage greater numbers of immigrants to settle in Gaspésie and enrich our community,” added MNA Georges Mamelonet.

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