Intercultural Actions for Development and Education to Offer Pre-Arrival Services
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Introduction to Pre-Arrival Settlement Services
Pre-arrival settlement services play a crucial role in Canada’s immigration strategy. These services equip newcomers, including refugees, with essential information and support before they arrive, aiding in their decision-making and preparation for employment in Canada.
AIDE’s Role in Settlement Services
August 1, 2019—Sudbury, ON—To enhance the delivery of these vital services, the Canadian government is allocating $1.5 million to Intercultural Actions for Development and Education (AIDE). This funding was announced by Paul Lefebvre and Marc Serré, Members of Parliament for Sudbury and Nickel Belt, respectively.
AIDE is among four regional partners tasked with offering province-specific information to French-speaking newcomers. This collaboration aims to bolster the Francophone Settlement Pathway, with La Cité, Ontario’s largest French-language college, leading as the main contact for general information and assessments.
This initiative is part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) effort to improve the integration process, ensuring newcomers contribute economically and integrate smoothly into Canadian society by:
- Connecting clients with essential information and services through an accessible process.
- Providing specialized pre-arrival services for French-speaking newcomers.
- Offering employment services tailored to regional and occupational needs.
- Encouraging early job licensure applications when necessary.
- Linking newcomers to settlement services at both federal and provincial levels.
Endorsements and Perspectives
“Pre-arrival services enable permanent residents to make informed choices and start integrating into Canadian life before their arrival. Our renewed program ensures consistent, high-quality services globally.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“I’m delighted that AIDE is chosen to deliver these essential services, empowering French-speaking newcomers settling in Ontario.”
– Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“AIDE’s involvement in Connexions Francophones supports personalized pre-arrival services, fulfilling Canada’s aim to promote and support successful newcomer integration.”
– Marc Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt
Key Insights
- In May 2018, IRCC invited proposals for delivering economic, family, and Francophone pre-arrival services. Sixteen organizations with proven expertise were selected to offer global virtual and in-person services starting January 1, 2019.
- The total funding for these 16 providers through 2023 is approximately $113 million.
- Pre-arrival services have been funded since 1998, initially serving refugees and expanding to all immigrants by 2001.
- In-person services will be available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a French-speaking service pilot in Morocco.
Related Resources
Contact Information
Media Contacts
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pre-arrival settlement services?
They provide information and support to newcomers before they arrive in Canada, aiding in their transition and integration.
Who can access these services?
All newcomers, including refugees and French-speaking immigrants, are eligible for these services.
What role does AIDE play in this initiative?
AIDE provides province-specific information and services to French-speaking newcomers as part of a larger collaborative effort.
Where will the in-person services be offered?
In-person services are available in China, India, the Philippines, and for French speakers in Morocco.
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