Settlement services are critical to helping newcomers settle and adjust to life in Canada. They range from helping newcomers find jobs, learn English or French, find a place to live and, more broadly, succeed in their new home. These services are even more critical given the additional challenges caused by the pandemic.
In August, to ensure that all newcomers have access to the support they need, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced an investment of $100 million over the next three years to improve the way newcomers access settlement services. The funds will be directed to improving the service delivery improvements (SDI) process which is centred on developing innovative approaches to better support the settlement and integration of newcomers.
As a part of this package, 78 projects are being supported to explore how to better integrate newcomers in their new communities and support the settlement sector as it recovers from the pandemic. Some examples of the projects include exploring how artificial intelligence can support settlement strategy, connecting newcomers with employers in smaller urban and rural communities pre-arrival and service approaches designed by an anti-oppression framework.
According to Minister Mendicino, “Settlement services play a fundamental role in Canada’s immigration system. From work to housing to language training, they set newcomers up for success. During this challenging year and a half, I think it’s safe to say everyone has needed support in some form or another. One can only begin to imagine the additional hurdles this pandemic has presented newcomers trying to start their lives in Canada. These new SDI projects will help us enhance and improve settlement services so every newcomer can reach their full potential here.”