Canada Invests $100 Million to Enhance Newcomer Settlement Services

August 12, 2021—Ottawa—In the realm of immigration, settlement services are vital to the success of newcomers in Canada. These services are instrumental in helping new Canadians find employment, learn official languages such as English or French, secure housing, and ultimately thrive in their new environment. As the pandemic has compounded the challenges of starting anew in a foreign country, the importance of these services has intensified.

To address these challenges and ensure comprehensive support for all newcomers, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has declared an investment of $100 million over the upcoming three years. This funding is earmarked to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of settlement services through the Service Delivery Improvements (SDI) process.

A Strategic Approach to Integration

Launched during the 2020-2021 period, the SDI funding initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already set in motion 78 promising projects. These initiatives aim to facilitate better integration of newcomers into Canadian communities and fortify the settlement sector as it navigates post-pandemic realities. Key projects include:

• University of Windsor's Innovative AI Program: This project, titled "Artificial Intelligence: A Rapid Response Leveraging Newcomers’ Pathway to Settlement," will investigate the potential of AI in crafting effective settlement strategies for newcomers.

• Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services’ Initiative: "Connecting Canada: Employer Engagement Driving Settlement in Smaller Communities" is designed to connect newcomers with employers in smaller urban and rural areas prior to their arrival, encouraging settlement in these locales.

• S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s Anti-Oppression Framework: This project focuses on developing service approaches based on an anti-oppression framework to combat systemic racism within immigrant services.

Navigating the New Normal

The pandemic has ushered many settlement services into the digital realm. The SDI funding will assist IRCC in evaluating the evolving needs of newcomers, considering the shift towards online service delivery. This transition not only underscores the need for innovative solutions but also highlights the importance of adapting to technological advancements to meet newcomers' needs effectively.

As Canada continues to welcome immigrants, this strategic investment is poised to bolster the country's reputation as an inclusive and supportive nation for newcomers. By enhancing settlement services, Canada reaffirms its commitment to fostering a thriving, diverse society where every newcomer has the opportunity to succeed.

In conclusion, the $100 million investment represents a significant step towards ensuring that newcomers receive the support they need to integrate seamlessly into Canadian life, ultimately contributing to the nation's social and economic fabric. As these projects unfold, they will pave the way for a more resilient and inclusive settlement sector, attuned to the challenges and opportunities of a post-pandemic world.