Evaluation of the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP)
6.0 Challenges
The evaluation findings and the recommendations derived from them must be put in the context faced by the program and those involved in delivering it. These challenges and their implications are outlined in this section. Recommendations follow in Section 7.0.
Newcomers are not adequately prepared when they come to Canada
Key informants and focus group participants all agreed that newcomers are ill prepared for life in Canada. In many cases, immigrants have a completely false idea of Canada. In other cases, professionals perceive that if they have qualified to enter as a skilled worker, that there will be a job for them here in their profession. The reality that their credentials are not accepted here is a blow, and newcomers feel misled. Some immigrants are well informed and have done their “homework” on the Internet ahead of time, although many only become aware of, and access ISAP, once they are in crisis (e.g., they have run out of money, become discouraged). The main consequence for ISAP is that settlement workers have to “undo” the wrong impressions and impacts of misinformation (most often provided to immigrants through their most trusted sources – family and friends).
Different levels/types of service available in communities
The evaluation revealed that some ISAP service providers have difficulty establishing partnerships due to the lack of services available in the community. In these cases, ISAP clients are disadvantaged in that they cannot get the help they need because the community is not equipped to help them.
Employment supports not meeting the needs of newcomers
According to the evaluation, employment is the most pressing issue for immigrants. In some cases, newcomers are having trouble even finding survival jobs. In many cases, immigrants are well educated and highly motivated but need assistance getting Canadian references and/or experience. The basic job-search services provided by ISAP are not enough, according to many newcomers. While Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) already delivers a number of programs related to finding a job, the evaluation revealed that there are other challenges unique to immigrants that are not being addressed in the available programs.
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