According to Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the new SDI projects will be a massive boost in enhancing and improving settlement services so that every newcomer to Canada can reach their full potential.
Notably, the settlement services provided by the Canadian government are designed for people who arrive into the country as economic immigrants, family class sponsorship or as refugees and protected persons. The services focus on helping people overcome the specific challenges of the newcomer experience like finding a job, housing, or learning English or French and ultimately allowing their stay in Canada to be a bit successful. Luckily, IRCC-funded settlement services can be accessed by all permanent residents and protected persons.
According to an IRCC settlement outcome 2021 report, most newcomers who have received settlement services have said they found the services helpful and relevant to their needs. The newcomers have expressed that the services enhance their understanding of what it is like to live in Canada, improve their English or French communication, get them ready for the Canadian labour market and helps them connect better with the organizations in their communities.
The same report showed that over one million newcomers to Canada received settlement services from April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2019. Now, for the 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is seeking to welcome at least 401,000 new immigrants per year, starting with this year. It is the most ambitious immigration plan in the history of Canada, but it is achievable with the measures already in place.
In total, IRCC spends $2 billion per year on grants and contributions when it comes to settlement programs, which is the highest amount by any country globally.
