Mr. Speaker, I know the hon. member has a long and distinguished background in settlement work in her home province. She can take pride in the fact that the government has already introduced regulatory changes that will allow refugee claimants to work while awaiting the outcome of their claim.
The government is committed to enhanced co-operation and co-ordination between the two levels of government. We will have to work together to use scarce resources more effectively.
The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration met on Monday with his Ontario counterparts to discuss the very matter raised by the hon. member for Beaches-Woodbine. I am pleased to say that the province of Ontario and the federal government will begin negotiations with a view to establishing an immigrant
agreement. Ontario is one of only three provinces that does not have an immigration agreement with the federal government.
With this first step we have clearly demonstrated our willingness to enhance co-operation and co-ordination between the two levels of government. The federal government has a series of settlement programs and services designed to help immigrants access services available to all Canadians. These programs are designed and delivered on the understanding that settlement is a process that involves new and established Canadian residents.
Canadians are involved as sponsors, service deliverers, volunteers and hosts. More than 300 external partners have entered into contribution agreements with the Department of Citizenship and Immigration for the delivery of services to newcomers.
The program allocations for the various settlement programs for 1993-94 will be over $251 million. We understand and share Ontario's concerns about settlement and integration, and we are certainly prepared to listen. This immigration agreement will be the first step in addressing Ontario's concerns.