Backgrounder – Settlement Funding Allocations for 2010-11

Citizenship and Immigration Canada funds services that help newcomers settle and adapt to life in Canada. These services include language training, information and referrals, help finding employment that matches newcomers’ skills and education, and help establishing networks and contacts in their communities.

Funding is provided according to a formula that is based on the number of newcomers in each province and territory, with additional weight added for refugees to account for their unique settlement needs. The formula also includes a capacity-building amount for each jurisdiction to help ensure high-quality service provision across Canada.

The following chart provides a comparison of net settlement funding allocations for the provinces and territories outside of Ontario and Quebec for fiscal years 2009–10 and 2010–11.

Settlement Funding Allocations

The chart includes allocations for basic settlement services, Enhanced Language Training, the Going to Canada immigration portal and anti-racism initiatives. Total allocations for 2010–11 amount to more than $230 million. This amount does not include $11.5 million for the Innovation Fund, which is managed nationally.

Funding for Ontario and Quebec is not represented on the chart as each of these provinces has a unique funding arrangement with the Government of Canada.

Funding for the Government of Ontario is provided under the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement. Through this agreement, the Government of Canada has increased funding for Ontario by $920 million over five years, in addition to the $540 million Ontario received in basic settlement funding over the same period. The estimated settlement contribution funding for Ontario for 2010–11 is $408 million, which includes basic settlement services as well as Enhanced Language Training, the Going to Canada immigration portal and anti-racism initiatives.

As for Quebec, the Canada-Quebec Accord provides the Government of Quebec with an annual grant, the amount of which is calculated according to the formula set out in the accord. Quebec is responsible for all settlement services. For 2010–11, the estimated amount is $253.7 million.