The Program Director for Eastman Immigrant services says funding announced today to help support newcomers will go a long way. 

The province announced $3.1 million for new immigrant support services in Manitoba and Josie Fast says, of that, they are getting just over $200 thousand over three years.

Fast says this funding will allow them to hire a new settlement worker which she adds will help them grow their services. 

"Now with the provincial government funding this, we are able to provide services to people who are on work permits," she explains, "we’re really excited about that because that’s really where we see the most need is that initial support."

Fast says when newcomers first arrive, they require housing and employment which will fall under the umbrella of the new settlement worker.   

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen explains applicants through the Provincial Nominee Program now pay an application fee but he notes the fee is now being returned to them in the way of services.

"It is good news," says Goertzen. "The Provincial Nominee Program, which is really an economic development program that allows people to come from other parts of the world and quickly get jobs and quickly contribute to the economy, has been very successful over 20 years. It’s really changed the dynamic of Manitoba and of our region as well.

Goertzen adds it is important for newcomers to have opportunities to settle in and get connected into the community, and says this funding allows organizations like EIS to continue that work.