August 26, 2021
IRCC Invests $100 Million to Improve Newcomers’ Access to Settlement Services
Settlement services are fundamental to a newcomer’s success in Canada. They help newcomers participate in social, cultural, civic and economic life.[1] With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the unique barriers faced by newcomers, settlement services have never been more pivotal.
To help address these challenges, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced an investment of $100 million over the next 3 years to improve the way newcomers access settlement services through the service delivery improvements (SDI) process.[2]
Throughout the pandemic, the delivery of many settlement services has moved online. SDI funding will help IRCC determine the kinds of services newcomers need, while taking into account the increased reliance on online service delivery[3]. Funding will begin in the fall of 2021 and run until March 31, 2024.[4]
“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.”
– The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship