Refugee Resettlement Program

Mario J. CallaExecutive Director

Canada’s Role in ResettlementCanada, 2007

Government 7,574Assisted RefugeeArrivals

Privately Sponsored 3,588Refugees

Landed in Canada 16,794 Refugees

Total Refugee 27,956Arrivals

Total Immigrant 236,758Arrivals

Canada’s Resettlement Service Delivery System

Services delivered through non-governmental organizations.

NGOs funded by federal, provincial, municipal governments and private donations.

NGOs can be multi-service, single service, multicultural or ethno-specific.

Over 200 NGOs serving immigrants and refugees in Ontario.

COSTI Immigrant ServicesEducation: English as a Second Language, computer

training.

Settlement counselling, orientation, translation, documentation.

Employment: Canadian business culture, resume writing, job search skills, specialized programs for professionals, youth, women and persons with disabilities.

Therapeutic counselling for addictions, mental illness, marital or inter-generational problems.

Reception and housing for refugees.

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)- Financial assistance program that provides for the basic needs of life, including basic household needs, and immediate essential servicesReception Services

Onward transportation, winter clothing

Reception Centres

Orientation

Temporary assistance

Essential needs

Mandatory federal and provincial programs

Accommodation search assistance

Referrals to community services

Income Support

Mirror social assistance rates

Administered by CIC staff

Assessed upon arrival for eligibility

12 month terms

Up to 24 months for Joint Assistance Sponsorship

Settlement Services:Post Reception Centre

Immigrant Settlement Adaptation Program (ISAP) – assessment, referral, orientation and general information, translation

Host Program – “be-friending” program matching Canadian volunteers with newcomers

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

ESLNewcomer Support Program (NSP) - like ISAPEmployment Ontario

Changes in Refugee Selection as a Result of IRPAChanged selection criteria

Less emphasis on “Ability to Establish” Focus on vulnerable refugees

Simplified Family ReunificationOne year window of opportunity

Result: Changing Profile of Refugees Relaxed Emphasis on Ability to Establish

means:SeniorsIlliterate with little or no educationLong-term camp experience (children never

attended school, adults never worked)Single parents and large familiesLacking in life skillsOrphaned children with sibling as head of familySevere medical conditions requiring extensive

medical interventions

But…not all fit this profile.

Changes as a Result of IRPAThe Challenges:

Impact on Services:HousingHealthEducationLegal

Community Service ResponsesPriority Assessment, placement and referral

to ISAP, LINC and HostCloser partnership with ethno-specific

agenciesLife SkillsCase Management Pilot (ISAP)Closer partnership with medical services