[This press release was sent to the Winnipeg Jewish Review from Mel Lazareck]

Every year the Canadian Government through the Canadian Embassy Paris sponsors Destination Canada held in Paris and Belgium. The purpose of the program is to attract skilled immigrants to Canada, and if you do as search of Destination Canada you will find more details of the program. Manitoba has been a participant in the program through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Several months ago I decided to look into the possibility of putting the Winnipeg Jewish community on the map, so to speak, as a potential destination for Jewish people considering leaving their European home.

Based on the work done by the late Larry Hurtig and others who were instrumental in the movement of immigrants from South America to Winnipeg, we as a community had a successful track record in attracting immigrants.

In building on that record, I approached our friends in the French Canadian community through the Word Trade Centre and they were very positive in their support. They have been active participants in Destination Manitoba achieving very good results. They also work closely with the Manitoba Provincial Nominee program that sends officers to Destination Canada.

I believe it is very important in letting French Jews who are interested in Canada consider Winnipeg as an ideal place to settle. I am pleased to work with Ken Zaifman who is volunteering his time to work with me on this initiative.

Both Ken and I have met with the Jewish Federation, the World Trade Centre and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program officials. We have received excellent support from these agencies. We will both travel to Paris next week to promote the Winnipeg and to meet and interact with French Jews who have expressed an Both Ken and I have a deep commitment to this project because we believe that promoting the benefits of Winnipeg to French Jews at a time when some are considering resettling can only benefit our community.