The city of Greater Sudbury is the recipient of $231,485.92 from the provincial government to enhance an immigration web site. The city will use the funds to develop an app that can be used on iPhones and iPads.
The website, www.mysudbury.ca/immigration provides information to immigrants or citizens looking to relocate to Sudbury. With the click of a mouse, newcomers can get information about jobs, housing, leisure and education opportunities.
Dr. Eric Hoskins, minister of citizen and immigration, said the information will help newcomers choose Sudbury as their new home.
“It's a great marketing tool for Greater Sudbury to reach out to newcomers all over the world, as well as those who recently arrived in Ontario,” he said. “We're in a knowledge-based economy and technology is changing so fast. It's really important that all levels of government keep up with that technology.”
Rick Bartolucci, MPP Sudbury said although he doesn't use modern technology frequently, it's important to have the information available.
“The iPhone and the iPad may be foreign to me but the visitors in our community who may want to think about staying and being a part of the fabric of Sudbury it's very important,” he said. “Our city is strong because of that diversity.”
Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk said the new apps will help market the city.
“People coming to our community need to have access to information,” she said. “Plus it's portable. You could be waiting for a bus or you could be waiting for a job interview and checking things out.”
A total of 21 municipalities in Ontario have immigration websites. The province receives 100,000 newcomers each year, and almost 40 per cent of immigration to Canada.
