Ontario receiving most Immigrants

Federal and provincial officials say the number of people coming to Canada is at an all-time high and more and more are heading to Ontario. It's predicted 1.2 million people will apply to come here this year, the majority of them to Ontario. There were more than 1.1 million applications abroad to come to Canada last year in all non-immigrant categories, including visitor, student and temporary workers. Immigration statistics also show 262,228 refugees and immigrants were allowed in last year, compared with 235,823 a year before. In addition, there were 156,300 economic immigrants, such as skilled workers and businessmen, compared with 133,745 in 2004. Rick Byun, a spokesman for Ontario Immigration Minister Michael Colle, says 140,000 newcomers settled in the province last year, up from 125,000 in 2004. "This is the highest rate of immigration we have had in recent years," Byun said. "It doesn't look like it will slow down." The immigrants shouldn't put a strain on services since Ottawa has promised $182 million in funding, he said. "The success of newcomers will be Ontario's success," Byun said. "We have to have that labour force."