Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse to Provide Pre-Arrival Services
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Pre-Arrival Services for Newcomers
On February 8, 2019, in Dartmouth, NS, it was announced that pre-arrival settlement services are an essential part of Canada’s immigration program. These services equip newcomers, including refugees, with vital information and support, enabling them to make informed decisions about their new lives in Canada, such as job preparation. To support this initiative, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has allocated $1.1 million to the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE).
Role of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, Darren Fisher, revealed this funding on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. FANE is among four regional Francophone partners tasked with supplying tailored information to Francophone newcomers. This collaboration aims to enhance the Francophone Settlement Pathway, with La Cité serving as the main contact point for general information and needs assessments. Newcomers moving to the Atlantic provinces will be referred to FANE.
This funding is part of IRCC’s revamped pre-arrival services program, designed to improve social and economic integration by:
- Providing straightforward access to essential information and services.
- Delivering Francophone pre-arrival services through partnerships.
- Offering employment services specific to regions and occupations.
- Encouraging early application for job licensure, if required.
- Connecting clients to settlement services in Canada.
Statements from Officials
“Pre-arrival services equip permanent residents with crucial information and support, allowing them to make informed choices and start integrating before arriving. IRCC’s renewed program offers consistent, client-focused services worldwide.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“I am pleased that the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse is chosen to deliver essential services as part of IRCC’s renewed program. This funding supports Francophone newcomers heading to the Atlantic provinces.”
– Darren Fisher, MP for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour
Key Information
- In May 2018, IRCC invited proposals for Francophone and economic/family class pre-arrival services. Sixteen service provider organizations were picked to offer virtual and in-person services globally, starting January 1, 2019.
- Funding for these 16 organizations totals approximately $113 million until 2023.
- Since 1998, Canada has funded pre-arrival services, initially for refugees, and expanded to other immigrants in 2001.
- In-person services are available in China, India, and the Philippines, with a pilot for Francophone services in Morocco.
Contact Information
Media Contacts 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
FAQs on Pre-Arrival Services
What are pre-arrival services?
Pre-arrival services offer newcomers information and support to help them transition smoothly to life in Canada before their arrival.
Who provides these services?
Sixteen experienced service providers deliver these services globally, including the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse for Francophone newcomers.
Why is early job licensure important?
Applying for job licensure before arriving can enhance newcomers’ job prospects and ease their integration into the Canadian workforce.
Where are in-person services available?
In-person services are offered in China, India, the Philippines, and Morocco for Francophone newcomers.
How long has Canada funded these services?
Canada has been funding pre-arrival services since 1998, initially for refugees and expanded to include other immigrants from 2001.
