Supporting Visible Minority Newcomer Women in St. John’s
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Government’s Commitment to Newcomer Integration
December 18, 2018—St. John’s, NL—The Canadian government emphasizes the importance of providing newcomers with essential support and services. This initiative aims to help them utilize their skills and experiences effectively, fostering their integration into the Canadian economy and communities.
Addressing Barriers for Newcomer Women
The Government of Canada is introducing a new pilot program to tackle the challenges faced by visible minority newcomer women in the job market. Challenges include discrimination based on gender and race, unstable employment, lack of childcare, and insufficient social support.
To address these issues, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allocating up to $5 million over three years to 10 service provider organizations nationwide. This funding is intended to enhance employment support for newcomer women.
The Association for New Canadians will receive an additional $290,000 to expand its services to more visible minority newcomer women. This organization offers employment-related services like counseling, networking, mentoring, and employment-specific guidance sessions.
By funding service providers with strong existing women-focused programs, IRCC aims to increase their capacity to support visible minority newcomer women effectively.
As part of the 3-year Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot, IRCC is forming new partnerships with organizations dedicated to women. On December 5, IRCC began inviting expressions of interest for partnerships with organizations not currently funded by the department, offering up to $7 million over three years for innovative programs to help these women access the labor market.
Statements from Key Figures
“Employment is crucial for newcomers’ successful integration. It provides not only an economic contribution but also dignity and belonging. Visible minority newcomer women face barriers like discrimination and childcare costs. I’m proud of our pilot program offering direct support as they prepare for the workforce.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“I am pleased to announce additional funding for the Association for New Canadians’ employment services as part of the Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot. This funding will help serve more visible minority newcomer women in St. John’s.”
– Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
Key Facts and Figures
Visible minority newcomer women earn the lowest median income among newcomer groups at $26,624, compared to $30,074 for non-visible minority newcomer women, $35,574 for visible minority newcomer men, and $42,591 for non-visible minority newcomer men.
The unemployment rate for visible minority newcomer women is 9.7%, higher than visible minority men at 8.5% and non-visible minority men at 6.4%, according to the 2016 Census.
Organizations interested in the expression of interest (EOI) process should review the Funding Guidelines online and submit a letter of interest by January 4, 2019.
Related Resources
- Expression of Interest: Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot Initiative
- Supporting Visible Minority Newcomer Women
Contact Information
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 is the goal of the Visible Minority Newcomer Women Pilot?
The pilot aims to address employment barriers faced by visible minority newcomer women by providing targeted support and expanding services through increased funding.
How much funding is allocated for this initiative?
IRCC is providing up to $5 million over three years to service providers and an additional $7 million for new partnerships with organizations serving visible minority women.
Who can participate in the expression of interest process?
Organizations interested in developing innovative programs for visible minority newcomer women can participate by reviewing the Funding Guidelines and submitting a letter of interest by January 4, 2019.
Which organization in St. John’s is receiving additional funding?
The Association for New Canadians in St. John’s is receiving $290,000 to expand its services for visible minority newcomer women.
Take the next step in supporting visible minority newcomer women by exploring our detailed immigration guide.
