Société de la francophonie manitobaine Chosen for Pre-Arrival Services
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
July 26, 2019—Winnipeg, MB—Canada’s immigration program includes essential pre-arrival settlement services.
Pre-Arrival Services for Newcomers to Canada
July 26, 2019—Winnipeg, MB—Pre-arrival settlement services play a vital role in Canada’s immigration efforts. They equip newcomers, including refugees, with the necessary information and support to make well-informed decisions about their upcoming life in Canada, such as job preparation. To facilitate these services, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allocating $1.5 million to the Société de la francophonie manitobaine (SFM).
The announcement was made by Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, representing the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
The SFM is one of four regional partners tasked with providing province-specific information to French-speaking newcomers. This collaborative model enhances the Francophone Settlement Pathway by focusing on dedicated pre-arrival services. La Cité, Ontario’s largest French-language college, will serve as the primary contact point, offering general information, conducting needs assessments, and referring clients heading to the Prairies and territories to the SFM.
This funding is part of IRCC’s enhanced pre-arrival services initiative, designed to improve the social integration of newcomers, boost economic contributions, and support middle-class growth by:
- Streamlining access to required information and services;
- Delivering pre-arrival services through a collaborative partnership for French-speaking newcomers;
- Providing employment services tailored to regional and occupational needs to enhance job prospects;
- Encouraging pre-arrival job licensure applications, if necessary;
- Connecting clients to federal and provincial settlement services within Canada.
Notable Quotes
“Pre-arrival services equip permanent residents with essential information and support, enabling informed decisions about their new lives in Canada, facilitating integration before arrival. IRCC’s refreshed pre-arrival program will ensure consistent, top-quality client-focused services globally.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Under IRCC’s updated pre-arrival initiative, I am pleased that the Société de la francophonie manitobaine has been chosen to provide these critical services. This investment empowers the organization to deliver pre-arrival services to French-speaking newcomers bound for the Prairies and territories.”
– Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface—Saint Vital
Fast Facts
- In May 2018, IRCC initiated an expression of interest to solicit proposals for economic/family class and Francophone pre-arrival services. Sixteen experienced service provider organizations (SPOs) with strong track records were selected to offer virtual and in-person services to newcomers globally, including refugees. These services commenced on January 1, 2019.
- Funding through 2023 for these 16 SPOs amounts to approximately $113 million.
- Canada has supported pre-arrival services since 1998, initially for refugees, expanding to non-refugee immigrants in 2001.
- In-person services are available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a French-speaking services pilot project in Morocco.
Associated Links
Contact Information
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs
What is the role of pre-arrival services in Canada’s immigration program?
Pre-arrival services help newcomers prepare for life in Canada by providing crucial information and support before they arrive.
Who are the target beneficiaries of the Société de la francophonie manitobaine’s services?
These services are aimed at French-speaking newcomers settling in the Prairies and territories.
How is IRCC supporting these pre-arrival services financially?
IRCC has allocated $1.5 million to the Société de la francophonie manitobaine as part of a broader $113 million funding initiative for 16 service provider organizations.
Since when has Canada been offering pre-arrival services?
Canada has provided pre-arrival services since 1998, initially for refugees, but expanded to other immigrants in 2001.
For more information, read our immigration guide or contact us today.
