FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 10, 2010

2009 Immigrant & Refugee Arrivals at YVR are Significantly Higher than 2008

Vancouver, BC - Community Airport Newcomers Network (C.A.N.N.) of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., just released its 2009 summary report revealing a significant increase in the number of arrivals of immigrants and refugees to Canada compared to 2008.

C.A.N.N. is a pre-settlement program at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) that offers assistance to newly arrived immigrants and refugees to Canada.  According to C.A.N.N. statistical reports, in 2009 C.A.N.N. received 43,525 new immigrants at YVR, an increase of 10% over the 2008 report. They also report a 17% increase in convention refugees served by C.A.N.N. compared to 2008. The Philippines replaced China as the lead source country for immigrants received at YVR by C.A.N.N. However, only 23% of immigrants from the Philippines intended to settle in BC. In comparison, over 53% of immigrants from China intended to settle in BC. Similar to 2008, the top five source countries of refugees arriving at YVR in 2009 are Myanmar, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and Afghanistan. Settlement in the Prairie Provinces, such as Alberta, is also increasingly popular according to C.A.N.N. findings.

Fourth Quarter Highlights for 2009
According to the C.A.N.N. statistical report, in the fourth quarter of 2009 C.A.N.N. received 8,668 new immigrants at YVR, a marginal increase of 0.3% from the 2008 fourth quarter report. They also reported a 66% decrease in conventional refugees served by C.A.N.N. compared to 2008 as a result of travel plans being adjusted due to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The Philippines continue to surpass China as the lead source country for immigrants received at YVR by C.A.N.N., accounting for 31% of new arrivals this quarter. Settlement in the Prairie Provinces is becoming increasingly popular according to C.A.N.N. findings. Research reveals a 9% decline in settlement in British Columbia and a 26% increase in settlement in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. For more details on C.A.N.N. please visit: http://www.success.bc.ca/cann

Founded in 1973, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. is one of the largest social service providers in British Columbia with over 20 locations and 2 overseas offices.

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CANN Statistical Highlights 2009 Summary
CANN Statistical Highlights 2009 Fouth Quarter