Archived News Releases

January 11, 2016

An additional $1.6 million will help newcomers settle into their new homes, with a specific focus on key education supports for Syrian students in the classroom and in the community, Premier Greg Selinger announced today as he provided an update about the ongoing efforts to welcome Syrian refugees in Manitoba.

“As we welcome families from Syria to their new home, we continue our efforts to make their transition as seamless as possible,” said Premier Selinger.  “As part of our commitment to these families, we are increasing key education supports and working closely with schools and community partners to ease their children’s transition into the classroom.”

New investments include:

• immediate funding of $750,000 to help schools receive and assess refugee children;
• $450,000 in increased funding for English as an additional language (EAL) students in schools;
• $300,000 in increased funding for the Intensive Newcomer Support Grant, a targeted grant for refugee and war-affected children;
• $50,000 in support for the Peaceful Village/Manitoba School Improvement Program;
• $25,000 in support for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM); and
• $25,000 in support for the Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services Centre.

“Schools are the hub of our neighbourhoods and it’s through the relationships made in classrooms, parent rooms and student events, for both children and adults that we connect with the community,” said Mark Wasyliw, chair, Winnipeg School Division.  “We commend the Manitoba government for this criticalinvestment in the education and inclusion of our newest residents.”

“Schools such Hugh John Macdonald have been a part of our Canadian society’s ongoing effort to welcome and settle newcomer students and their families in a co-ordinated, sustained and responsive manner,” said Vinh Huynh,principal, Hugh John MacDonald School.  “We are thankful that the province recognizes the importance of this work and is responding with the support to ensure that all newcomer students have access to the learning opportunities that they need.”

The premier also noted:

• Manitoba has welcomed 254 government-assisted refugees arising from the Syrian crisis, including some who arrived today.
• Settlement agencies have co-ordinated immediate temporary homes for everyone upon arrival.  The province has provided additional support due to increased numbers by partnering with a private landlord to secure an additional 26 units and is repurposing a government-owned building, which will offer 10 units.
• To support the settlement process, the province has connected with more than 200 private landlords and identified more than 100 units as options for permanent housing.
• Up to 400 rent subsidies will be made available as needed to support permanent housing. Like other low-income Manitobans, newcomers who do not access other provincial housing subsidies can apply for RentAssist.
• Based on discussions with the federal government, the province is expecting about 150 people to arrive bi-weekly until the target of 2,000 refugees related to this conflict is reached in 2016.

“As a former EAL student and now a teacher myself, I understand how important homework programs are in helping newcomer youth advance their education, but also in keeping them on a positive path,” said Surafel Kuchem, teacher, Homework Education for Youth program, IRCOM.  “After-school programs help to fill the education gap that many newcomer students have due to interrupted schooling, as they provide them with the extra hours they need to catch up in academics, but also the mentorship and social support they require them to help successfully transition into Canadian society.  It is great the province is being so responsive to this need with additional resources for our newest community members.”

The premier noted that since September 2015, Manitoba has committed almost $3.5 million in support for Syrian refugeesin its continued commitment to assist innocent victims of war.

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