Enhancing Settlement Services for Newcomers in Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Introduction to New Funding
On April 12, 2019, in Vancouver, BC, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a partnership with various organizations to enrich services for newcomers in Canada. Through the Service Delivery Improvements funding stream, IRCC is granting nearly $2.6 million to the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC).
Key Projects for Newcomer Support
Digital Literacy Training
This project aims to equip newcomers with essential digital skills over the course of one year. It targets those needing both language and digital literacy training to help them engage in language programs and incorporate technology into their everyday activities.
SPARK and IGNITE Programs
In collaboration with Settlement Services International of Australia, these initiatives focus on entrepreneurship. SPARK supports newcomers exploring self-employment possibilities, while IGNITE assists those with feasible business ideas to start operations in B.C.
GAR Settlement Research
This multilingual research project seeks to analyze the integration and job market outcomes of Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) in B.C. from 2007 to 2016. The project involves a diverse advisory committee, including government officials and former refugees.
Service Delivery Improvement Fund
IRCC’s Service Delivery Improvement Fund dedicates over $30 million annually to enhance service delivery, promoting innovation to better support newcomers throughout their integration journey.
Notable Quotes
“I’m proud that the Government of Canada is working with organizations like the ISSofBC to provide high-quality settlement services for newcomers across the country. Finding new and better ways to help newcomers succeed in their journey benefits all Canadians, by strengthening our labour force and the economy.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Thanks to the Service Delivery Improvement fund, projects such as these undertaken by the ISSofBC will improve IRCC’s understanding of the needs of entrepreneurial newcomers and support their successful integration into Canadian communities.”
– The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
- Funding for the projects includes $238,189 for Digital Literacy Training, $2,261,194 for SPARK and IGNITE, and $91,364 for the GAR settlement research project.
- The SDI funding is part of a $150 million allocation over five years, dedicated to exploring new methods to improve the Settlement Program’s efficiency and effectiveness.
- Following the 2017 Expression of Interest, IRCC funds over 100 projects nationwide, all concluding by March 31, 2021.
- SDI encompasses seven funding streams: language acquisition, employment, youth support, volunteer engagement, capacity building, newcomer well-being, and research to drive innovation.
Contact Information
Contacts for media 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
What is the goal of the Digital Literacy Training project?
The aim is to provide newcomers with necessary digital skills, enhancing their participation in language training and daily life technology use.
How do SPARK and IGNITE support immigrants?
These programs assist newcomers in exploring self-employment, refining business ideas, and launching viable businesses in British Columbia.
What is the focus of the GAR Settlement Research?
The research investigates settlement, integration, and employment outcomes for Government-Assisted Refugees in B.C. from 2007 to 2016.
How is the SDI fund impacting newcomer services?
With a $150 million allocation, SDI explores innovative approaches to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of settlement services.
How many projects has IRCC funded through SDI?
IRCC is supporting over 100 projects across Canada, set to complete by March 31, 2021.
For more details, Read our immigration guide.
