LUCIENNE ROBILLARD ANNOUNCES HIGHER IMMIGRATION LEVELS FOR 1998

OTTAWA, October 23, 1997 -- Lucienne Robillard, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and M.P. for Westmount/Ville-Marie, today tabled in the House of Commons the 1998 Immigration Plan, entitled A Stronger Canada.

The Immigration Plan for 1998 sets 200,000 - 225,000 as the overall range of immigrants and refugees which is 5,000 higher than the levels announced in the plan for 1997 (195,000 to 220,000). The 1998 number includes 175,900 - 192,700 immigrants and 24,100 - 32,300 refugees. Within the immigrant category, 115,900 - 127,900 are in the economic class (including their dependants) and 53,500 - 58,300 are in the family class.

"These aren't arbitrary numbers. The decision to raise the levels was made after careful consideration with a view to establishing the number of newcomers who will benefit Canada and Canadians," the Minister noted. "This slight increase from last year's forecast is reflective both of Canada's flexible immigration policy and the fact that our strengthening economy is attractive to immigrants," she added.

Immigration levels are tabled in the House of Commons annually in the Fall. "Our actual figures for 1996, compared to the forecast for that year, are tangible proof that the government does not follow a quota system in our immigration planning," Minister Robillard emphasized. The Immigration Plan for 1996 had set 195,000 - 220,000 as the overall range of immigrants and refugees. The actual number of landings exceeded that plan, totalling over 225,000 immigrants and refugees.

"Immigration has always been a source of economic and social strength for Canada. It will continue to be vital to the future of our country. In addition to their hopes and dreams, immigrants bring with them rich human experience, expertise and initiative, as well as a willingness to help us build a stronger Canada, for ourselves and our children," said Minister Robillard.

Immigration Plan, 1998

Immigrant Category	Range
Skilled Workers	96,600 - 106,600
Business	19,300 - 21,300
Spouses, Fiancé(e)s and Children	35,200 - 38,300
Parents and Grandparents	18,300 - 20,000
Other - Live-in Caregiver Program - Special Categories - Provincial/Territorial Nominees	6,500
Total Immigrant	175,900 - 192,700
Refugee Category	Range
Government-Assisted*	7,300
Privately-Sponsored*	2,800 - 4,000
Refugees Landed In Canada and	12,000 - 18,000
Dependants Abroad	2,000 - 3,000
Total Refugee	24,100 - 32,300
Total Immigrant and Refugee	200,000 - 225,000

*Includes an estimated total of 400 for Humanitarian Designated Class.