ARCHIVED – Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, 2005

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Section 5
Integrating Newcomers

The successful settlement and integration of new immigrants is an important objective under IRPA. In order to maximize the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration, newcomers must be able to participate fully in Canadian society and have access to the same quality of life that Canadians enjoy. In 2004, 179,501 permanent residents took the oath of citizenship.

Settlement Services for Newcomers

Every year, many newcomers receive settlement services. Quebec, Manitoba and British Columbia have signed agreements with CIC to deliver their own settlement services. In the other provinces, CIC offers three core programs which aim to facilitate newcomers’ integration into Canadian society: the Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP), the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program and the Host Program. In all three programs (described in this section), services are delivered by community-based organizations through formal agreements with CIC.

Approximately 220 service providing organizations deliver an estimated 153,000 settlement services to newcomers to Canada on an annual basis (excluding services within Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec). These numbers do not represent the number of newcomers accessing the services, as some clients access more than one.

The federal government and the Province of Ontario made significant progress toward a first-ever Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement. The framework agreement is expected to address the full range of integration needs, including basic settlement services, language training and immigrant labour market integration.

To enhance performance measurement and standardize administrative practices for the settlement programs, CIC continued working with service providers on the implementation of the Contribution Accountability Framework (CAF) [note 29] in 2004. The framework ensures accountability for settlement spending and results by monitoring service delivery and evaluating the programs’ effectiveness and efficiency. The information collected will be used to identify program gaps and propose improvements.

The terms and conditions for the settlement programs, which expired in March 2005, were renewed by Treasury Board. In this context, CIC developed an Accountability, Risk and Audit Framework, a comprehensive planning tool intended to improve program management through an enhanced emphasis on the stewardship of public funds, risk management, credible performance reporting and accountability. CIC also undertook extensive consultations to develop a multi-year funding policy for contribution agreements.

In addition, CIC completed program evaluations of LINC, ISAP and the Host Program [note 30]. These evaluations highlighted gaps between clients’ needs and available resources, and made recommendations on program improvements. As a result, CIC is implementing changes to improve the programs.

To continue the dialogue begun as part of the Voluntary Sector Initiative (VSI) and the National Settlement Conferences, the interim Settlement and Integration Joint Policy and Program Council was established in 2004. The Council serves as a vehicle to further facilitate collaboration, consultation and joint planning between government and the settlement sector. In 2004, acting on a key VSI recommendation, CIC worked with members of a VSI working group to develop a toolkit to help smaller communities improve their capacity to attract and retain newcomers.

In addition, CIC held a meeting of the Settlement and Integration Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group in 2004 to strengthen dialogue on key issues of mutual interest, such as program development, funding and research.

Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program

The objective of ISAP is to assist newcomers in settling and integrating into Canadian society in order to facilitate their participation in Canadian life as soon as possible. The program funds the delivery of services such as general information on life in Canada, translation and interpretation, referral to community resources, solution-focused counselling, and basic employment-related services. ISAP also funds service provider organizations to undertake “service-bridging” activities with other community organizations, as well as special projects aimed at improving the way settlement services are delivered.

As a special component under ISAP, CIC offers the Canadian Orientation Abroad initiative in certain countries. Intended to give participants a realistic view of life in Canada and better prepare them before they arrive, these orientation sessions provide basic information on topics such as climate, accommodation, cost of living, the educational system and the labour market.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

The LINC Program provides basic language training to adult newcomers in one of Canada’s official languages to facilitate their social, cultural and economic integration into Canada. The program also provides information that helps acquaint participants with the Canadian way of life. The Department is currently developing new guidelines to clarify procedures for language assessments and is committed to improving the current level of services in French.

Host Program

The Host Program is a volunteer-based program whereby newcomers are matched with Canadian volunteers who help them learn about available services in their community, practise their English or French, participate in community activities, understand the Canadian labour market and find job contacts in their field. By connecting newcomers to Canadians, the program promotes inclusion and diversity, improves cross-cultural understanding and helps reduce racial stereotyping.

Canadian Citizenship

Obtaining citizenship is a significant step in the integration process for newcomers because it signifies full participation in Canadian life. In fiscal year 2004–2005, 179,501 permanent residents became Canadian citizens. This represents a slight increase over the volume of 171,570 citizens in 2003–2004. In addition, CIC issued some 59,873 proofs of Canadian citizenship during this period, a significantly higher volume than the 49,552 issued in the previous year.

Permanent residents of Canada have a qualified right to apply for citizenship once they have lived here for three years, and 84% do so. With high immigration levels from 2000 to 2002 (more than 225,000 per annum), the number of people applying for citizenship has increased. Many long-term permanent residents have also recently decided to apply for citizenship because of such factors as the need for a permanent resident card, the imposition by the U.S. of visa requirements and border screening mechanisms for many of Canada’s permanent residents, and policy changes in some countries allowing their citizens to hold multiple nationalities.

In the latter part of 2004, citizenship processing times rose compared to past performance. This is primarily due to an increase in demand for citizenship services and to operational challenges created by the implementation of the first phase of CIC’s new Global Case Management System (GCMS) in September 2004, which began with the citizenship program. Processing times for a grant of citizenship have increased from 10–12 months to 15–18 months. Processing times for a proof of citizenship (new or replacement citizenship certificate) have increased from 2–4 months to 5–7 months.

In April 2005, to reduce the inventories of applications for granting and proof of citizenship, the Minister announced an investment of $69 million over two years to improve the citizenship application process [note 31]. In addition, once the new GCMS system is fully implemented, the Department expects to see major efficiencies in case processing.

In 2004, CIC initiated the first phase of a Business Process Re-Engineering Study of the citizenship program. This review will continue in the next year, with a more comprehensive analysis of the delivery models. The aim is to identify innovations that would improve client service by maximizing efficiencies while maintaining program integrity.

In addition, to accommodate the special needs of visually impaired persons, citizenship tests were translated into braille in 2004.

CIC also hosted the 2004 meeting of the Five Country Citizenship Forum [note 32] and led discussions on topics such as citizenship revocation in the context of war crimes and security risk cases; birth on soil, birth abroad and retention; the integration of newcomers; and performance measurement and risk analysis.

Special Initiatives to Facilitate Integration into the Labour Market

It is essential to attract and retain skilled and knowledgeable immigrants in order to address Canada’s labour market needs and sustain economic growth and competitiveness. However, many recent immigrants are experiencing serious difficulty finding a job commensurate with their skills and knowledge. In 2004, the Government of Canada announced the development of a coordinated federal strategy to address key barriers to labour market participation faced by both newcomers and foreign-trained Canadians and to ensure they can contribute their full potential to the economy [note 33]. Enhanced in April 2005, this multidepartmental initiative is now known as the Internationally Trained Workers Initiative. The expanded strategy focuses on the following key areas: foreign credential assessment and recognition; enhanced language training; bridge-to-work initiatives; improved labour market information; research; and addressing issues of discrimination in the workplace.

With CIC and HRSDCs as the co-leads, an interdepartmental group of 14 federal departments and agencies is collaborating on the development and implementation of the strategy, including consultation and communications activities to engage the various stakeholders.

A fundamental step in improving immigrant outcomes is to help adult immigrants increase their ability in one of Canada’s two official languages so that they can integrate more quickly and more effectively into the workplace. With the $20 million in annual ongoing funding provided by the 2004 Federal Budget, CIC continued implementing the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) initiative to increase the number of newcomers receiving advanced, labour market-related language training. In 2004, CIC worked on a cost-sharing condition with the provinces/territories, organizations delivering settlement services, and colleges and universities to develop strategic projects that will provide more advanced language training that is job-specific and better geared to the labour market. Partnerships were established with Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and British Columbia on the delivery of ELT projects in these provinces. These projects also include a bridge-to-work component, such as orientation to the local labour market or job search assistance.

In addition, CIC is continuing to work with federal and provincial/territorial partners and other stakeholders to enhance Going to Canada/Newcomers to Canada, a key component of the Canada website. This Internet initiative aims to provide a single point of access to a wide range of information and services (including information relating to employment and the Canadian labour market) that potential immigrants and newcomers need to make informed decisions and prepare for life in Canada. In 2004, CIC added new information and tools to this immigration portal.

Immigrants for Francophone Minority Communities

In support of the Government of Canada’s commitment to the continued vitality of Francophone minority communities, CIC is working with Francophone communities in provinces and territories where the dominant language is English to help them attract and retain French-speaking immigrants. With financial assistance from the Department, these communities have been able to develop promotional materials and travel to Francophone countries to encourage prospective immigrants to consider settling in their communities.

In addition, in early 2005, the CIC-Francophone Minority Communities Steering Committee launched “Towards Building a Canadian Francophonie of Tomorrow,” a summary of accomplishments as well as planned initiatives for the coming year.

Promotional Activities

To promote core Canadian values (peace, respect, freedom, justice and a sense of belonging) to newcomers and to all Canadians, CIC continued its “Canada: We All Belong” campaign in 2004–2005. The educational resources developed for this campaign, based on the theme “Cultivate Your Commitment to Canada,” were launched during Canada’s Citizenship Week and used throughout the year for citizenship education. Targeting teachers of grades four to eight and community youth leaders working with young people aged nine to 14, this resource aims to promote an understanding of active citizenship, social engagement and the shared values that have shaped Canada.

In 2004, CIC broadened its relationships with other federal departments to create wider exposure to key campaigns such as Citizenship Week and Celebrate Canada Week. The Department also supported numerous activities organized across the country for National Flag of Canada Day, International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and International Day of Peace. In addition, CIC enhanced Citzine, a website designed for youth that has quarterly themes linked to citizenship values, practices, rights and responsibilities, and these enhancements resulted in a 20% increase in website traffic.

CIC continued the Citation for Citizenship Award, which recognizes Canadian individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to assisting new residents to successfully integrate into Canadian society. Following the call for nominations in 2004, the awards will be presented in 2005–2006.

Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism

A key challenge for ensuring effective integration involves reaching out to community partners to engage a broad spectrum of Canadians in facilitating the integration of newcomers. CIC is an active participant in “A Canada for All: Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism,” announced in March 2005. Led by the Department of Canadian Heritage, this plan provides an overarching horizontal approach across federal departments and agencies to build a society free of racism and a partnership between governments and civil society. For CIC, the plan includes an anticipated expansion of two settlement initiatives: the Host Program and the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) initiative under ISAP. SWIS helps newcomer students and their families work with educational institutions and their boards to build bridges between parents, students, schools and communities.

This multidepartmental initiative builds on activities undertaken by CIC in 2004 and early 2005 under the Welcoming Communities Strategy. Aimed at creating a true sense of belonging and shared citizenship for immigrants, this strategy focuses on working with NGOs and provincial partners to foster a welcoming environment in communities for newcomers. For example, the Department partnered with the Toronto Regional Immigrant Employment Council and the Maytree Foundation on the Employer Promising Practices Project. Their new website [note 34] raises awareness of the value of hiring immigrants.

CIC’s Welcoming Communities Strategy also supported the expansion of the Dominion Institute’s Passages to Canada: Speakers’ Bureau program, which entered its fourth phase in 2004. New bureaus have been established in Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Regina, Windsor, Halifax, Winnipeg and Moncton (a Francophone minority community), in addition to the established bureaus in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. Speakers have been recruited and trained to address youth audiences on anti-racism and to raise the awareness of business audiences concerning the benefits of hiring newcomers.

In addition, the Cultivating Peace series (a high school teacher’s activity guide designed to support peace, conflict resolution and intercultural understanding) was further promoted to faculties of education, adult high schools and community organizations. A Welcoming Communities insert was also included in TEACH Magazine, which has a subscription base of 12,000 teachers and school administrators across Canada. The teaching unit thematically explored how Canada’s framework of rights and obligations mitigates the effects of discrimination and racism.

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29. For more information on the CAF, see http://integration-net.ca/.

30. These evaluation reports will be available at www.cic.gc.ca.

31. For further information, see www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/releases/2005/0510-e.asp.

32. Member countries are Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

33. Originally known as the Immigrant Labour Market Initiative (ILMI).

34. For further information, see www.hireimmigrants.ca.

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