December 30, 2016

Dr. Shafiq Qaadri
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
400 University Avenue, Sixth Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1T7

Dear Dr. Qaadri:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide in this crucial role. I welcome you to the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, and look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both ministry and overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our government’s mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

The mandate letter I received in September from Premier Wynne sets out my specific priorities as Minister for the coming two years. As parliamentary assistant, you will play a key role in meeting these priorities and in helping put our government’s plan into action.

Our ministry is committed to building diverse and inclusive communities, ensuring newcomers, including refugees, prosper in Ontario, and promoting civic and community engagement throughout the province.

Together, we will continue to forge partnerships with businesses, educators, labour, communities, the non-for-profit sector, and with all Ontarians to foster economic growth and to make a genuine, positive difference in people’s lives.

As my parliamentary assistant, your specific responsibilities include:

  • Working with the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs to advance Ontario’s efforts to attract Francophone immigrants, and promote the achievement of Ontario’s five per cent Francophone immigration target, considering the input of the expert group on Francophone immigration that released its report in November 2016.
  • Providing guidance and strategic advice on developing and implementing initiatives such as e-learning to improve access to English/French as a Second Language to support the social and economic integration of adult immigrants to all parts of Ontario.
  • Collaborating with the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat to deliver Ontario’s honours and awards programs to celebrate the people who make our province a better place to live.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our ministry’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

The Honourable Laura Albanese
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration