IRCC launches Call for Proposals for Newcomer Programming

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is issuing a call for proposals for the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance programs.

Extensive national consultations with partners and stakeholders have identified the principles and key priority areas that will be addressed through the call. These include fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of newcomers and engagement with the private sector, as well as an increased focus on the integration of vulnerable populations, such as refugees, youth and the LGBT community.

Through the Settlement Program, eligible newcomers receive the information that they need about life in Canada, the community in which they will settle, language training, help finding a job, and connections with established immigrants and Canadians.

These supports and services 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, such as provision of temporary accommodations.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that newcomers have the support and services they need to make the most of their talents and experience in order to fully integrate and contribute to the Canadian economy and to their communities,” said Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Immigration Minister. “The supports and services delivered to newcomers through IRCC’s programs are world class and help to make Canada a recognized international leader in settlement and integration.”Canada Visa application form

The National Call for Proposals aims to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of settlement and integration services for newcomers to Canada.

While Settlement and Resettlement Assistance are two separate programs, they will be administered through one intake process. Proposals will be assessed based on their individual merits and other considerations, such as ensuring the proposed services are widely available, avoiding duplication of services, and ensuring good value for taxpayer’s money.

This Call for Proposals represents part of Minister Hussen’s mandate to ensure high quality settlement services.

In 2019-20, IRCC will invest nearly $778 million to support the settlement needs of newcomers across the provinces and territories (except Quebec).

Article published 19th February 2019