IRCC launches national call for proposals for newcomer progamming

Process will determine settlement program and resettlement assistance program services across Canada for up to five years

 

Ahmed Hussen

IMMIGRATION, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is issuing a call for proposals for the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance programs.

The National Call for Proposals (CFP) intake process has been streamlined since the previous CFP to improve the experience for service provider organizations and maximize funding flexibility. Extensive national consultations with partners and stakeholders have identified the principles and key priority areas that will be addressed through the call. These include fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of newcomers and engagement with the private sector, as well as an increased focus on the integration of vulnerable populations, such as refugees, youth and LGBTQ2+.

Through the Settlement Program, eligible newcomers receive the information that they need about life in Canada, the community in which they will settle, language training, help finding a job, and connections with established immigrants and Canadians. These supports and services help newcomers integrate and build a successful life in Canada, while also helping employers, schools and other organizations build welcoming communities. The Resettlement Assistance Program provides supports and services to address the immediate and essential needs of government-assisted refugees and other eligible clients being resettled to Canada from overseas, such as provision of temporary accommodations.

IRCC says the CFP is a fair, effective and transparent competitive process that maximizes the efficiency and effectiveness of settlement and integration services for newcomers to Canada. While Settlement and Resettlement Assistance are two separate programs, they will be administered through one intake process under CFP 2019. Proposals will be assessed based on their individual merits and other considerations, such as ensuring the proposed services are widely available, avoiding duplication of services, and ensuring good value for taxpayer’s money.

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said on Monday: “The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that newcomers have the support and services they need to make the most of their talents and experience in order to fully integrate and contribute to the Canadian economy and to their communities. The supports and services delivered to newcomers through IRCC’s programs are world class and help to make Canada a recognized international leader in settlement and integration.”

 

Quick Facts

 

  • In 2019-20, IRCC will invest nearly $778 million to support the settlement needs of newcomers across the provinces and territories (except Quebec).
  • In spring 2019, IRCC will be seeking applications through a second process that will focus on indirect settlement services that are not included in the first CFP 2019 (e.g., sector capacity building).
  • Applications for the first CFP 2019 are due before 5:00 p.m. PST on April 12, 2019.
  • Funding for recommended projects is expected to begin on April 1, 2020 and will end no later than March 31, 2025.