British Columbia Construction Association to Offer Pre-Arrival Services for Newcomers
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Announcement of New Pre-Arrival Services
The Canadian immigration program heavily relies on pre-arrival settlement services. These services equip newcomers, including refugees, with essential information and support to make informed decisions about their new life in Canada, like job preparation. To enhance these services, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated $3.4 million to the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA).
Preparing Newcomers for the Canadian Workforce
January 22, 2019—Victoria, BC—Pre-arrival services are crucial for immigrants. They offer necessary information and assistance to help newcomers make informed choices before arriving in Canada. The IRCC has committed $3.4 million to the BCCA to deliver these vital services.
Gary Anandasangaree, representing Scarborough—Rouge Park, announced the funding on behalf of Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. The BCCA will provide employment services tailored to specific occupations, preparing newcomers for construction industry roles and addressing employment needs.
Enhancing Integration and Economic Contribution
This funding is part of IRCC’s revamped pre-arrival services program aimed at optimizing newcomers’ integration, enabling them to contribute economically, and supporting middle-class growth by:
- Offering a streamlined process to connect clients with necessary information and services.
- Providing services to Francophones through collaborative partnerships.
- Delivering general, regional, and occupation-specific employment services.
- Encouraging job licensure applications before arrival when necessary.
- Linking clients to federal and provincial settlement services in Canada.
Key Quotes
“Pre-arrival services give permanent residents the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about their new life in Canada, facilitating integration before arrival. IRCC’s renewed program ensures consistent, high-quality, client-focused services globally.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“I am pleased that IRCC has chosen the British Columbia Construction Association to deliver these essential services. This investment supports employment needs for newcomers aiming for construction industry jobs before reaching Canada.”
– Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Rouge Park
Important Details
- In May 2018, IRCC initiated an expression of interest to gather proposals for economic/family class and Francophone pre-arrival services. Sixteen experienced service providers were selected to offer virtual and in-person services worldwide, starting January 1, 2019.
- Funding for these 16 service providers to 2023 amounts to approximately $113 million.
- Canada has provided pre-arrival services since 1998, initially limited to refugees but expanded in 2001 to include other immigrants.
- In-person services will be available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a pilot project for Francophone services in Morocco.
Contact Information
For media inquiries only
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 is the purpose of pre-arrival services?
Pre-arrival services provide information and support to help newcomers make informed decisions and smoothly integrate into Canadian society.
Who benefits from these pre-arrival services?
These services cater to newcomers, including refugees, aiming to prepare them for life and work in Canada before their arrival.
Which organization is selected to deliver these services?
The British Columbia Construction Association has been selected to provide these critical pre-arrival services.
How does the funding support newcomers?
The $3.4 million funding helps deliver tailored employment services, preparing newcomers for jobs in Canada, particularly in the construction sector.
Where will in-person services be available?
In-person services are planned for China, India, and the Philippines, with a pilot for Francophone services in Morocco.
