Pacific Immigrant Resources Society Enhances Settlement Services for Vancouver Newcomers
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Announcement of Funding for Newcomer Services
On January 25, 2019, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant funding boost of $1,157,694 to the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS). This initiative aims to enhance settlement services for newcomers in Vancouver, B.C., as part of the Service Delivery Improvements funding stream.
Joe Peschisolido, representing Steveston—Richmond East, revealed this development on behalf of Ahmed Hussen, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Innovative Childcare and Community Integration
PIRS plans to introduce a groundbreaking childcare service model, providing job opportunities for newcomer women and supporting service providers offering short-term onsite childcare. This project, if successful, has the potential to expand nationally, involving collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and designers, through a “hack-a-thon” event.
The IRCC’s Service Delivery Improvement Fund, allocating over $30 million annually, focuses on enhancing service delivery, fostering innovation, and experimenting with new methods to better serve newcomers and support their integration.
Statements from Key Officials
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with organizations like the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society. Improving settlement services for newcomers strengthens our labor force and economy.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Projects like the one by PIRS will enhance IRCC’s understanding of newcomer women’s needs, facilitating their successful integration into Canadian communities.”
– Joe Peschisolido, Member of Parliament for Steveston—Richmond East
Essential Information
- The Settlement Program’s SDI funding, totaling nearly $150 million over five years, is focused on exploring new strategies to boost program efficiency and effectiveness.
- Following the 2017 Expression of Interest process, IRCC is backing over 100 projects nationwide, all set to conclude by March 31, 2021.
- SDI encompasses seven funding streams, including language acquisition, employment, youth support, volunteer engagement, capacity building, newcomer well-being, and research-driven innovation.
Media Contact Information
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 Settlement Services for Newcomers
What is the purpose of the funding provided to PIRS?
The funding aims to enhance settlement services for newcomers, focusing on innovative childcare solutions and community integration.
How will the new childcare model benefit newcomer women?
The model will offer employment opportunities and support organizations providing short-term childcare services.
What are the objectives of the Service Delivery Improvement Fund?
The fund seeks to improve service delivery, encourage innovation, and experiment with new approaches to better integrate newcomers.
Who can be contacted for more information?
For media inquiries, contact Mathieu Genest at the Minister’s Office or the Media Relations team at the Communications Branch of IRCC.
Learn more about settlement services and innovations in newcomer integration. Read our immigration guide.
