The federal government announced funding of 12 million dollars to support the integration of newcomers in British Columbia.

This amount will be given to the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. organization, the largest social service agency for newcomers in this province located on the Pacific coast, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.

"Thanks to the funding announced today, we will be able to help more newcomers who are preparing to come to Canada," said federal Minister of International Development Hardeep Sajjan yesterday from the headquarters of the mentioned organization in Vancouver.

He added that the staff of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. form "the first interaction with Canada for newcomers."

Minister Sajjan, who was born in India, indicated that he himself migrated to Canada with his family as a child. The support the family received was important to overcome what he considers "a life-changing event that goes beyond just changing countries."

According to him, this means adopting an entirely new life with its share of risks.