The Government of Canada has selected 824 projects to deliver high quality settlement support services to newcomers across the country for up to five years.
Through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Settlement Program, eligible newcomers receive information about life in Canada and the community in which they will settle, language training, help finding a job, and connections with established immigrants and Canadians. These supports and services aim to help newcomers integrate and build a successful life in Canada, while also helping employers, schools and other organisations build welcoming communities.
The Resettlement Assistance Program provides supports and services to address the immediate and essential needs of government-assisted refugees and other eligible clients being resettled to Canada from overseas.
“Canada is a recognised international leader in settlement and integration,” explained Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen. “We firmly believe that when we invest in helping newcomers learn the language, find employment, and build a successful life, all of Canada benefits.”
Projects selected through the National Call for Proposals include:
– Language training and workplace-based language instruction that will help newcomers settle and gain relevant skills;
– Employment services that will foster the entrepreneurial spirit of newcomers and engage private sector employers;
– Support for French-speaking newcomers that will establish stronger ties to Francophone minority communities outside Quebec;
– Integration of vulnerable populations, such as youth, women, seniors and LGBTQ2 newcomers;
– Programming that addresses the need for newcomer mental health and well-being supports; and
– Projects that enhance local integration and social inclusion in small-centre, rural and northern areas.
The newly chosen projects complement those selected through the Service Delivery Improvement Program, Pre-Arrival Services Program and Visible Minority Newcomer Women Program.
Funding for the 824 approved projects is expected to begin on 1st April 2020 and end by 31st March 2025.
Article published 8th August 2019