YMCA of Greater Toronto to Offer Pre-Arrival Services
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Announcement of New Pre-Arrival Services
The YMCA of Greater Toronto has been chosen to provide critical pre-arrival settlement services to newcomers in Canada. These services are pivotal in assisting immigrants, particularly refugees, with essential information and support prior to their arrival. This initiative, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with $5.6 million, aims to streamline the transition process for newcomers.
Expanded Role for YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is among four key service providers selected to deliver comprehensive online resources, orientation, and connections to settlement services. This organization, recognized for its national reach and extensive experience, will work closely with IRCC to optimize service delivery and share best practices among service providers.
Key Objectives of the Program
The renewed pre-arrival program by IRCC is designed to enhance social integration and economic contribution of newcomers by:
- Facilitating direct access to necessary information and services through a user-friendly process.
- Delivering Francophone services via a collaborative model.
- Offering employment services tailored to general, regional, and specific occupations.
- Encouraging advance job licensure applications.
- Connecting newcomers with federal and provincial settlement services.
Statements from Key Officials
“Pre-arrival services equip permanent residents with vital information to make informed choices about their new life in Canada, facilitating integration before arrival. This initiative ensures high-quality, client-focused services globally.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Newcomers enrich Toronto’s economy and culture. This program, in collaboration with the YMCA, supports our community’s newest members before they arrive.”
– The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
“We are excited to continue our partnership with IRCC to ease immigrants’ transition to Canada by offering support before their arrival. The Next Stop Canada Program has already aided over 6,500 immigrants since 2016. We look forward to expanding our reach and coordinating more comprehensive services.”
– Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Toronto
Key Information
- IRCC initiated a call for proposals in May 2018, selecting 16 experienced service providers for pre-arrival services, which began on January 1, 2019.
- Funding for these providers amounts to approximately $113 million until 2023.
- Pre-arrival services, initially for refugees in 1998, were extended to non-refugee immigrants in 2001.
- In-person services are available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a pilot for Francophone services in Morocco.
Media Contacts
Media Inquiries
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 are pre-arrival services?
Pre-arrival services provide essential information and support to immigrants before they arrive in Canada, helping them prepare for their new life.
How is the YMCA involved in these services?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto coordinates with IRCC and other service providers to offer national-level information and support for newcomers.
Who benefits from pre-arrival services?
These services are designed for economic and family class immigrants, including refugees, to ensure a smoother transition to Canadian life.
For further guidance on immigration, Read our immigration guide.
