TORONTO, Feb. 19, 2014 – The Ontario government will introduce legislation today that aims to strengthen the province’s role in attracting more skilled immigrants to help meet the province’s future labour needs and support economic growth. If passed, the proposed Ontario Immigration Act would allow the province to work more closely with the federal government on the selection and admission of skilled immigrants, with the aim of increasing Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program allocation from 1.300 to 5,000.

Valerie Preston, professor of Geography in York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, is available for comment on today’s announcement. Dr. Preston specializes in immigration and Canadian cities, local labour markets, as well as transnationalism and citizenship.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 27 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

-30-

Media Contact: Tabassum Siddiqui, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 ext. 44543, tsiddiq@yorku.ca

NOTE: York U media studio is available for double-ended broadcast interviews.